Jon Stewart Returns as Host of 'The Daily Show'
Jon Stewart made his return as host of 'The Daily Show' on Monday, delivering a mix of silliness, absurdity, and political commentary.
Jon Stewart's Return
After leaving 'The Daily Show' in 2015, Jon Stewart made his highly anticipated return as host on Monday night. Stewart will be hosting the show on Mondays until the presidential election and will also serve as an executive producer.
Stewart joked about his return, saying, 'Why am I back? I have committed a lot of crimes. From what I understand, talk show hosts are granted immunity—it doesn’t make a lot of sense, but take it up with the founders.' Despite the years that have passed, Stewart was in classic form, delivering jokes with his usual left-leaning perspective and mixing comedy with political commentary.
Opening Segment and Correspondents
Stewart's first night back included the show's signature franchise, 'Indecision' election coverage. He proposed various titles for this year's election coverage, including 'Indecision 2024: American Demockracy' and 'Indecision 2024: Electile Dysfunction.'
Stewart also introduced the show's correspondents, Ronny Chieng, Desi Lydic, Michael Kosta, and Dulce Sloan, who will be hosting the show on Tuesdays through Thursdays. The opening segment, as well as the rest of the show, showcased Stewart's familiar blend of silliness, absurdity, and political humor.
Stewart's Impact on 'The Daily Show'
During his 16-year tenure as host of 'The Daily Show,' Jon Stewart transformed the show into a late-night cultural phenomenon. Under Stewart's leadership, the show evolved from a pop culture snark-fest to a topical satire that became a news source for many viewers. The show also served as a launchpad for numerous talented comedians who went on to host their own shows.
Since Stewart's departure, 'The Daily Show' experienced a decline in ratings and profile, reflecting a general downturn in the relevance of late-night shows in the streaming age. Stewart's own post-'Daily Show' projects, such as an animated show for HBO and a talk show for Apple TV+, faced challenges and ultimately ended.
