The Daily Show Rises Again: Can Jon Stewart Still Cut It?

Turns out, TV isn’t dead! While Super Bowl LVIII dominated the ratings, an unlikely contender joined the game: Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart back at the helm. Nearly a million viewers tuned in live, marking the network’s biggest numbers in five years.

So, why the sudden surge? Morbid curiosity played a part. Would Stewart still be relevant after his Apple TV+ show floundered? But the chance to see him reclaim his political commentary throne proved too tempting for many.

Surprisingly, Stewart didn’t disappoint. His wit was sharp, but some viewers, including his own correspondents, weren’t thrilled. Concerns arose about his criticisms of President Biden and his “too old” image. Additionally, comparisons to Jay Leno’s disastrous Tonight Show return fueled skepticism.

Dulcé Sloan and Jordan Klepper voiced these concerns directly on the show. “We need more than the same old face,” said Sloan, demanding fresh perspectives. Klepper challenged Stewart’s “90s brand of snark,” questioning its effectiveness in today’s landscape.

While these critiques were valid, they also served as a self-aware wink to the audience, acknowledging the inherent awkwardness of Stewart’s return.

Comedy Central’s previous attempts to replace Trevor Noah didn’t pan out. Minhaj’s fabricated jokes scandal torpedoed his chances, and Roy Wood Jr. wisely opted out. But with his “Please hire a host” plea at the Emmys, Wood inadvertently got his wish – Stewart’s back.

Will Stewart’s return breathe new life into The Daily Show? Only time will tell. But one thing’s clear: his comeback has sparked a lively conversation about comedy, relevance, and who gets to claim the mic.