“I very much wanted to have some kind of place to unload thoughts as we get into this election season,” said Jon Stewart on returning to The Daily Show.
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Jon Stewart, a cherished figure in US entertainment history for his role as a talk show host, departed from The Daily Show in 2015 after a remarkable 16-year tenure. His departure, though unexpected, was remarkably relatable. Now, the 61 year old announces a come back on The Daily show. This has sparked widespread interest and speculation about the reasons behind the show’s initial cancellation.
The Daily Show, that premiered on July 22, 1996, with Craig Kilborn as the inaugural host. However, it wasn’t until Jon Stewart assumed the hosting duties in 1999 that the show truly skyrocketed. Following Stewart’s departure, Trevor Noah assumed the role of host, remaining in that position until September 2022.
Stewart’s Candid Confession on CBC
Now, Stewart officially announces a part-time return in 2024 to contribute to the show’s coverage of the presidential election. As, Dailywest reported earlier in January, Stewart’s impactful return on The Daily Show.
In a recent interview with CBC Mornings on February 12, 2024, Jon Stewart Explains Why he left the show.
Stewart also revealed that him coming back on was influenced by a desire for a “place to unload thoughts” ahead of the 2024 election.
He also emphasized that his goal was not to have a specific influence on viewers, but to provide a means of catharsis and to comment on issues that people would hopefully enjoy. Stewart also humorously remarked that there’s no one better to comment on the election than someone “who truly understands two aging men past their prime.”
Stewart’s Candid Confession: “I’m Not Getting the Same Satisfaction”
Wondering Why Jon Stewart left The Daily Show back in 2015? Well, his decision to leave The Daily Show was primarily driven by a lack of satisfaction. During an interview with The Guardian, Jon expressed, “It’s not like I thought the show wasn’t working anymore, or that I didn’t know how to do it. It was more, ‘Yup, it’s working. But I’m not getting the same satisfaction.”
“These things are cyclical. You have moments of dissatisfaction, and then you come out of it and it’s OK. But the cycles become longer and maybe more entrenched, and that’s when you realize, ‘OK, I’m on the back side of it now,” Stewart further added.
Stewart also emphasized that he considered his various endeavors, such as stand-up, books, and films, as “different vehicles to continue a conversation about what it means to be a democratic nation,” and the need to honestly assess and move forward with integrity.
Apple TV+ Exit and Creative Differences: What Went Wrong?
Besides the exit from The Daily Show, Jon Stewart’s Apple TV+ show, “The Problem with Jon Stewart,” was also canceled. Reasons? Content concerns and creative differences!
Stewart revealed that Apple didn’t want him to “say things that might get [him] in trouble” and that the cancellation was influenced by his desire to have a platform to express his thoughts, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 election. There were reported disagreements over topics for the third season, including those related to China and artificial intelligence, which did not align with Apple’s editorial vision.
“I thought I was going to do it over at — they call it Apple TV+. It’s a television enclave, very small. It’s like living in Malibu. They decided they felt that they didn’t want me to say things that might get me in trouble,” Stewart said.
The cancellation led to speculation and scrutiny, with US lawmakers asking Apple to explain the abrupt end of the show amid concerns that content related to China was behind the cancellation. Furthermore, Apple TV’s exit was also rumored to be influenced by the show’s slumping viewership, inconsistent episodes, and mixed reviews. These factors ultimately led to the end of Stewart’s show on Apple TV+.
Jon Stewart’s Return: A Political Move or Quest for Influence?
Stewart’s return to the show has raised questions about whether it was a political move or an attempt to regain influence. His intention to have a “place to unload thoughts” as the 2024 election approaches suggests a political motivation for his return.
However, Stewart has downplayed the idea of hoping to have an influence, emphasizing his desire for a cathartic outlet and a means to express his thoughts. “I’ve learned that post-Daily Show … I don’t really view it as, ‘I really want to have an influence on this issue, this election,’ things like that,” Stewart said clearing the air on what he’s in for.
The Future of The Daily Show: What Lies Ahead?
As The Daily Show continues to navigate Stewart’s return and the changing media landscape, the future of the show remains uncertain. With Stewart’s return as host on Monday nights only, and a rotating team of correspondents hosting the rest of the week, the show is undergoing a unique transition.