Jon Stewart Leaving The Daily Show

Perhaps not a total shock given that we've known for a long time that his contract was expiring this year...


JON STEWART LEAVING 'THE DAILY SHOW'

Ending months of speculation about his future with the Comedy Central series, Stewart informed his studio audience during Tuesday night’s taping that he is stepping down as host of the show after 16 years.

EW obtained this statement from Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless:

“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 Daily Show in 1999 from previous host Craig Kilborn. Since, he’s led the show to 19 Emmy Awards.

Much more to come…

Though I will miss him, it is time. I am sure he much rather pen and direct movies at this point in time. He has nurtured talented people who will be able to fill his void.

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I hope not. I'd love to see a woman host and I love Samantha Bee, but I don't want her to have to tamp down her wackiness in order to be the 'straight man'. But, I'm all for seeing much more of her in the future!

I really like Aasif Mandvi, but "Aasif Mandvi" the Daily Show correspondent is always dialed up to 11. Would he be as effective as a more restrained host?

Longshot... but 2 words... Craig Ferguson. Has the intellectual curiosity, the interviewing skills and the comedic chops.

That would be a very different Daily Show, but perhaps that's what it needs.

If we're looking at existing Daily Show talent, I think you're right about that, E. Davis. And Jones hosting almost virtually guarantees we get more Samantha Bee. Win-win.


ETA:
Also, I hope that whoever takes over eases up on the "media criticism". Putting together a clip package of Fox News (and sometimes MSNBC and CNN) saying idiotic things and then smartly debunking every bit of nonsense they spew is, admittedly, satisfying. But, it's also just red meat to the audience, incredibly easy to produce and serves as a distraction from real political discourse or smart satire.

Updated On: 2/11/15 at 11:30 PM