Skip to main content

Jon Stewart to leave The Daily Show later this year

jon-stewart-the-daily-show-iphone-verizon-vz-day
It seems you can only make light of the wicked ways of the world for so long before it starts to get to you. At least that’s one explanation for today’s sudden bombshell that Jon Stewart, who has held down the anchor spot on the satirical news outlet The Daily Show for nearly 16 years, is stepping down later this year.

In a brief message titled “Thank You Jon,” Comedy Central confirmed the news today on a Twitter post reportedly written by Comedy Central President Michele Ganeless:

Related Videos

“For the better part of the last two decades, I have had the incredible honor and privilege of working with Jon Stewart. His comedic brilliance is second to none. Jon has been at the heart of Comedy Central, championing and nurturing the best talent in the industry, in front of and behind the camera. Through his unique voice and vision, The Daily Show has become a cultural touchstone for millions of fans and an unparalleled platform for political comedy that will endure for years to come. Jon will remain at the helm of The Daily Show until later this year. He is a comic genius, generous with his time and talent, and will always be a part of the Comedy Central family.”

Stewart took over the show when original host, Craig Kilborn, stepped down for a 5-year run as host of CBS’ Late, Late Show. Just where Stewart will go next is anyone’s guess. The man who has become a household name for his handling of current events with equal parts levity and legitimacy, left no forwarding address, simply telling his audience during the taping of today’s show that he will be leaving once his contract expires by the end of this year, according to USA Today.

With Stephen Colbert priming to take over one of the top spots in Late Night following the retirement of another stalwart of the industry, David Letterman, Comedy Central’s evening lineup suddenly looks barren, indeed.

No one could replace the incomparable Colbert when it comes to inhabiting a completely sarcastic version of a GOP-alligned talking head for The Colbert Report, but can The Daily Show live on without Jon? With his quick wit, tireless work ethic, and passion for human decency in all things politics and world affairs, Stewart’s chair won’t be an easy one to fill, to say the least. The future of the indelible show, from which so many stars (including Colbert) have emerged, is suddenly cast into shadow.

We’ll update this story as more details emerge.

Editors' Recommendations

Watch the hilarious debut music video from Daily Show character Black Trump
daily show black trump they love me

Trevor Noah’s The Daily Show, like most comedy shows that focus on real-world events, has gotten plenty of comedic mileage out of Donald Trump’s run for president so far. But it wouldn’t be election season if the show couldn’t keep coming up with new and exciting ways to make fun of the billionaire, and the show's latest strike at the republican candidate from New York is perhaps its most hilarious yet.

The Daily Show writers, with the help of correspondents Roy Wood Jr. and Jordan Klepper, have created a parody music video for a song called They Love Me, which was released by a new headpiece-wearing character they call Black Trump (Wood Jr.) on last night's episode. The track, which features golf attire, plenty of money, and lyrics that are all actual Donald Trump quotes, is an amusing parody of the would-be world leader.

Read more
Jon Stewart back on set of The Daily Show to push for 9/11 first responders
jon stewart hbo november comedy central

Comedian Jon Stewart returned to the set of his old show for the first time since retiring last night, joining new host Trevor Noah on The Daily Show to advocate for 9/11 first responders.

“I’m sorry sir, are you lost?” declared Noah as Stewart walked on screen for the first time, wearing a t-shirt and jeans instead of his usual suit and tie on the program. “Oh, wait, wait, wait, wait, shit. Are you here to take your show back?” quipped Noah.

Read more
Jon Stewart plans to get back to work, signs production deal with HBO
jon stewart uses twitter to prank presidential nominee huntsman

Jon Stewart may have broken his fans' hearts when he retired from The Daily Show, but all will soon be forgiven. HBO announced Tuesday that it has finalized an exclusive-four year production deal with the beloved TV host, meaning that we have more Stewart projects to look forward to (and not just one-off WWE hosting gigs).

The partnership will kick off with short-form digital content that will be available on HBO Now, HBO Go, and other platforms. Although the first project's current-events focus will be familiar, it will have a unique format. Stewart will use technology that is being developed with cloud graphics company Otoy Inc. to produce content that the network says "will be refreshed on HBO Now multiple times throughout the day."

Read more