Jon Stewart, the iconic host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” recently discussed his return to the spotlight and the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of his show on Apple TV+. After bidding farewell to “The Daily Show” in 2015, Stewart has made a comeback as host for Monday episodes during the 2024 election cycle.
In an interview on “CBS Mornings,” Stewart explained his motivation for returning to his former role. He expressed a need for a platform to share his thoughts on the upcoming election, a platform he lost when Apple TV+ canceled his talk show last year.
Starting tonight, @jonstewart is back at @TheDailyShow anchor desk on Mondays through the 2024 election cycle.
He shares why he’s taking on a second term: “Who better to comment on this election than someone who truly understands two aging men past their prime?” pic.twitter.com/WSOBtSmrdj
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) February 12, 2024
“I wanted a place to unload thoughts as we get into this election season,” Stewart said during the interview. Initially, Stewart had hoped to use Apple TV+ as his outlet, but the tech giant had different plans. Stewart hinted that Apple was concerned about him saying things that could potentially cause controversy.
Stewart’s show on Apple TV+, titled “The Problem With Jon Stewart,” premiered in 2021 as part of a multi-year deal. The first season featured episodes every two weeks, with the format switching to weekly for the second season. Each episode of “The Problem” focused on exploring a single topic in-depth.
While it was initially reported that Stewart’s departure from Apple TV+ was amicable, reports later surfaced suggesting disagreements between Stewart and Apple over the content of the show’s third season. Topics such as artificial intelligence (A.I.) and China were allegedly sources of contention.
The New York Times even reported that U.S. House representatives questioned Apple CEO Tim Cook about the cancellation, speculating that pressure from China may have played a role.
Stewart himself didn’t directly address the rumors about the China episode but reiterated that Apple didn’t want him to say things that might land him in trouble. Despite this setback, Stewart is eager to provide viewers with a sense of catharsis during the election season through his return to “The Daily Show.”
He expressed excitement about reuniting with his former colleagues, praising the talent and expertise of the show’s team. Jon Stewart particularly commended Jen Flanz, who oversees the show’s operations, and the writing staff and producers for their impressive work.
Stewart’s return to “The Daily Show” is anticipated to offer viewers a platform for insightful commentary and humorous takes on current events. With his trademark wit and incisive analysis, Stewart hopes to engage and entertain audiences while navigating the complexities of the political landscape.
In the interview, Stewart’s enthusiasm for his return to television was palpable, and his confidence in the show’s team was evident. As he prepares to step back into the spotlight, audiences can expect nothing short of thought-provoking and entertaining content from one of the most influential voices in comedy and political commentary.