On February 12, 2024, late-night TV host Jon Stewart returned to the news desk at The Daily Show for the first time in nine years. He showcased his natural wit and fine-tuned satirical skills in a scouring analysis of President Biden’s mental fitness and the concerns many Americans at the time had over him running for another term.
The segment divided viewers. Some were thrilled with The Daily Show’s return to liberal criticism. In contrast, others expressed concerns that Stewart represented an old guard of TV hosts.
Now, nearly one year later, fans worldwide praise him for his revival of the program. While others still hold their doubts, the comedian has made one thing clear: he doesn’t care.
One reason The Daily Show works so well with Stewart at the desk is that he’s only there on Mondays.
After a year airing without a host, often relying on guest hosts and fill-ins from the news team, long-time familiar Daily Show faces are finally getting their dues. No longer stuck portraying the idiotic field reporters, Desi Lydic, Michael Costa, Ronny Chieng, and Jordan Klepper had the chance to try their hand in the host role.
Stepping into an executive producer role Tuesday through Thursday, Stewart oversees the correspondents as they take the day’s headlines and satirize them in their voices. Stewart’s guidance has showcased comedic growth with all the correspondents, who seem to mesh his style with their analysis of topics most important to them.
Throughout the year, Stewart has proven why so many yearned for his return to the show. Unlike other late-night programs, Stewart is hyper political and not afraid to cause controversy. Highlighting global issues such as the war in Gaza, internal struggles for transgender rights, and debates over gun control, he isn’t afraid to talk about touchy topics.
Additionally, Stewart and the rest of the Daily Show team don’t focus all their energy on Trump as many other programs do. While they do address his latest issues, they just as often point out the hypocrisy of many neo-liberals on the left and highlight the corruption of lesser-known right-wing politicians.
In an age when Gen Z and Millenials are just as likely to get their news from a late-night program as an all-hours news station, Stewart is ensuring Americans remain informed, critical, and, most of all, entertained.
