New York, NY – Comedy Central made a surprise announcement today that Jon Stewart will be returning as host of The Daily Show later this year. Stewart, who hosted the satirical news program from 1999 to 2015, will take over hosting duties from current host Trevor Noah sometime in 2023.
The return of Stewart is a momentous occasion for fans of The Daily Show and lovers of political satire. During his 16 years as host, Stewart developed a reputation for sharp, incisive commentary on current events and blistering critiques of media and politics. His comedic talents and earnest passion for truth earned him immense popularity and critical acclaim.
Under Stewart’s tenure, The Daily Show rose from a modest comedy show to one of the most influential programs on television. The show helped satirize 24-hour TV news and pioneered a new form of comedy journalism. Along with writers like Stephen Colbert, Samantha Bee, and John Oliver, Stewart turned The Daily Show into a cultural phenomenon and launchpad for some of comedy’s biggest stars.
For millions of Americans, watching Stewart skewer politicians and pundits became a daily ritual. His ability to cut through spin and hypocrisy with pointed jokes resonated with viewers exhausted by a dysfunctional Washington and sensationalist news media. Ratings steadily climbed, especially among the coveted younger demographic.
The Impact and Legacy of Stewart’s Daily Show
Stewart’s Daily Show had an outsized influence on politics and culture in the 2000s. He helped bring satire and mockery into the mainstream as a way to speak truth to power. His comedic takedowns of personalities like Tucker Carlson and Jim Cramer often went viral, shaping wider perceptions.
The show also nurtured talent that went on to have hugely successful careers in political comedy. Stephen Colbert credits Stewart for helping him develop his satirical conservative persona. As Colbert told New York Magazine, “Jon taught me how to write satire and analyze what you’re doing comedically as you’re doing it.”
John Oliver, Samantha Bee, Steve Carell, Ed Helms, Rob Corddry, and Kristen Schaal all got their big breaks on The Daily Show under Stewart. The program served as a feeder for late night comedy, primetime sitcoms, and influential new shows like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
Stewart’s hosting made him one of America’s most trusted news figures. Polls consistently found him to be one of the most admired journalists in the country. A 2007 Pew Research poll discovered that Stewart was Americans’ second-most admired journalist after Walter Cronkite.
The respect and trust Stewart garnered with younger audiences led the show to have real political influence. Research found the program helped boost voter turnout and galvanized interest in politics, especially among college students and liberals. Politicians began making stops at The Daily Show part of their media tours in hopes of reaching Stewart’s engaged following.
Moments That Defined Stewart’s Tenure
Over 16 years of hosting, Stewart had countless memorable interviews, rants, and segments that went viral before going viral was a thing. His monologues railing against gun violence, economic inequality, and the Iraq War often shaped wider debate. Other lighter moments poking fun at politicians or the media still get referenced and recycled online to this day.
Here are some of the defining moments from Stewart’s legendary Daily Show run:
- Stewart’s famous Crossfire appearance: Stewart went on CNN’s debate show Crossfire in 2004 and delivered a searing indictment of partisan hackery in the media. His impassioned critique got Crossfire canceled.
- In 2005, Stewart went on CNN’s debate show Crossfire and delivered a searing indictment of partisan hackery in the media. His impassioned critique got Crossfire canceled.
- Eviscerating Jim Cramer: Stewart’s extended takedown of financial pundit Jim Cramer in 2009 became an iconic viral moment that underlined his credibility during the financial crisis.
- Campaigning for 9/11 first responders: Stewart dedicated years of advocacy to getting healthcare for 9/11 first responders, giving scathing speeches shaming Congress’ inaction. Congress finally passed a bill in 2015.
- Glenn Beck critique: In 2010, Stewart dedicated an entire episode to a mockery of Glenn Beck’s ridiculous conspiracy theories and hysterical rhetoric on Fox News.
- Rally to Restore Sanity: In 2010, Stewart and Stephen Colbert held a satirical rally in Washington that attracted nearly 200,000 people, advocating for more reasoned debate in politics.
The announcement of Stewart’s return comes at a tumultuous time in American politics and media, much like when he first took over hosting duties in the late 90s. The growth of partisan media bubbles, conspiracy theories, and general distrust in institutions has accelerated in recent years.
Stewart’s brand of satire and truth-telling is needed now more than ever, and fans are excited to see the sharp comedic mind back dissecting current events. Trevor Noah’s Daily Show has continued Stewart’s legacy of comedic commentary, but many feel the original’s specific talents are uniquely suited for today’s challenges.
What Stewart’s Return Means for The Daily Show
The Daily Show has gone through major evolutions since Stewart left the host’s chair in 2015. Trevor Noah took over hosting duties months later, undergoing a rocky start but settling into a solid comedic voice as Trump-era politics gave endless fodder for satire. Ratings dipped after Stewart’s departure but have rebounded as Noah brought diversity and millennial appeal.
Noah will stay on as a contributor when Stewart returns, giving the new incarnation both fresh and classic elements. The show’s satirical edge and journalistic rigor figures to only be enhanced by Stewart’s unmatched abilities.
It remains to be seen how exactly Stewart will approach the current media and political environment after being off the air for seven years. But fans can expect his hosting style to directly call out mendacity and absurdity in politics in his signature witty yet morally grounded way.
The creative direction is unclear, but Comedy Central promises the show will continue its unique brand of comedic commentary. Speculation has ranged from a full Stewart takeover to more of a partial hosting role or just an expanded presence.
What is certain is that Stewart’s once-in-a-generation comedic voice will be back dissecting the chaos of politics when Americans need it most. The Daily Show now has a chance to recapture the cultural prominence it had in the 2000s golden era.
And in an increasingly complex information environment with fragmented audiences, Stewart’s truth-telling instincts could break through the noise to reach the next generation of viewers. The Daily Show helped pioneer fake news; now Stewart’s return may help combat it.
