The return of Jon Stewart to “The Daily Show” may provide a welcome sense of stability, but it could end up being just another temporary fix. After hosting the show from 1999 to 2015, Stewart will now only be on air on Mondays, while a rotating cast of fan-favorite correspondents take over the rest of the week. While the part-time hosting gig may suggest that Stewart is taking it easy for the rest of the week, he will also be serving as the executive producer for each episode until 2025, indicating a deeper commitment to the show.
Not only has Stewart been a host and executive producer for over 15 years, but he has also served as a mentor to some of the biggest names in comedy during his tenure. Just take a look at the list of successful comedians who got their start under Stewart’s guidance: Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, Samantha Bee, John Oliver, Steve Carell, Ed Helms, Olivia Munn, Hasan Minhaj, and Josh Gad, to name a few. It’s quite the coaching tree.
Perhaps now is the perfect time for Stewart to return to his former stomping grounds, especially considering the lackluster performance of his most recent television venture, “The Problem with Jon Stewart.” The show, which aired on Apple TV+, was canceled in October after just over two years. According to The New York Times, Stewart clashed with Apple executives over show content and guests. Meanwhile, “The Daily Show” has also experienced its own challenges. For over a year, they have been relying on a rotating cast of guest hosts since Trevor Noah stepped down—a situation that culminated in an awkward and amusing moment at this year’s Emmys when former correspondent Roy Wood Jr. essentially pleaded with executives to “please, hire a host.” While it’s not exactly the permanent solution Roy was looking for, Stewart’s return is certainly a step in the right direction.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Stewart’s return, there are still questions about whether or not he can truly save the show. “The Daily Show” has been at a crossroads for some time, facing declining viewership and an increasingly crowded late-night landscape. While Stewart’s presence may provide a boost in ratings and nostalgia for longtime fans, it remains to be seen if this temporary fix can address the deeper issues plaguing the show. Additionally, it remains unclear if the rotating cast of correspondents will be able to maintain a consistent comedic voice throughout the week.
Only time will tell if Stewart’s return can truly revive “The Daily Show” and bring it back to its former glory. In the meantime, fans can enjoy the familiar face of Jon Stewart on Monday nights, knowing that even if it’s just temporary, it’s a step in the right direction for one of television’s most beloved comedy institutions.
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