NEW YORK, NY – The return of Jon Stewart to The Daily Show after almost a decade brought a mixture of excitement and uncertainty for the future of the iconic late-night talk show. Comedy Central’s decision to bring back Stewart as a Monday night-only host through the 2024 presidential election raised questions about the show’s viability and its search for a permanent replacement since Trevor Noah took over in 2015.
The show’s delay in announcing a permanent host and the speculation about a potential Paramount merger added to the uncertainty surrounding The Daily Show’s future. However, Stewart’s return to the desk as host for the first time in nearly a decade was met with rapturous applause from the studio audience, indicating that the show was still very much alive and seeking to regain its former glory.
In his first show back, Stewart delved into the political landscape, highlighting the race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, and mockingly pointing out the age-related gaffes of both candidates. He emphasized the uniqueness of the current election, criticizing the notion that voters must silence concerns and criticisms, and reaffirming that the candidates themselves should address those issues.
Stewart’s return to The Daily Show has been seen as an attempt to influence the 2024 discourse, using his platform to challenge the public’s perception of the presidential candidates and urging them to critically assess their choices. The show’s return to its original host has sparked discussions about the role of late-night comedy shows in shaping public opinion and discourse leading up to the presidential election.