Jon Stewart Shares Thoughts on The Daily Show’s Future Amid Industry Changes
Jon Stewart, the former host of The Daily Show, recently shared his thoughts on the future of the show during an episode of his podcast. His comments came at a time when the media landscape is undergoing significant changes, particularly with the ongoing merger between Paramount and Skydance Media.
Stewart was asked about what might happen to The Daily Show if the merger goes through, especially since the show is owned by Paramount, which is now part of CBS. He admitted that he doesn’t have a clear answer. “Boy, that’s a good question,” he said. “Unfortunately, we haven’t heard anything from them. They haven’t called me and said like, ‘Don’t get too comfortable in that office, Stewart!’”
He added humor to the situation, joking, “I’ve been kicked out of s--- establishments than that. We’ll land on our feet.” However, he also acknowledged that the uncertainty is real. “I honestly don’t know what the show’s fate will be,” he said. “I’d like to believe that... Like, without The Daily Show, Comedy Central is kind of like muzak at this point. I think we’re the only sort of life that exists on a current basis other than South Park.”
Stewart expressed hope that the show brings enough value to the channel, but he also admitted that it may not be the priority for the company. “But that may not be their consideration,” he said. “I just don’t know.”
His remarks come in the wake of another major development: the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. CBS announced that the show would end after the 2023-2024 season, citing financial reasons. The network emphasized that the decision had nothing to do with the show’s performance or content.
Interestingly, the cancellation news broke shortly after a controversial settlement involving Paramount and Donald Trump. The $16 million payout was made after Trump claimed that 60 Minutes had deceptively edited an interview with Kamala Harris. This incident sparked discussions about the pressures facing journalists and media outlets.
Steve Kroft, a former correspondent for 60 Minutes, appeared on The Daily Show a week before the cancellation announcement. He discussed the impact of the lawsuit on the network and the broader media environment. “I think there’s a lot of fear,” Kroft said. “Fear of losing their job, fear of what’s happening to the country, fear of losing the First Amendment. All of those things.”
He also criticized the settlement, calling it a “shakedown” and suggesting that some viewed it as “extortion.”
CBS released a statement defending the decision to cancel The Late Show, highlighting its long-standing success. “Stephen has taken CBS late night by storm with cutting-edge comedy, a must-watch monologue and interviews with leaders in entertainment, politics, news and newsmakers across all areas,” the statement read. It also noted that the show had been number one in late night for nine straight seasons.
Despite these reassurances, the media industry continues to face challenges. Mergers, financial pressures, and shifting audience habits are all factors that could influence the future of shows like The Daily Show and The Late Show.
For now, Stewart remains cautious but hopeful. He knows that the world of television is unpredictable, but he also believes that The Daily Show has played a unique role in keeping Comedy Central relevant. Whether that role continues in the future remains to be seen.