Paramount Global has officially renewed Jon Stewart’s contract to host “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central through December 2026, ending months of speculation about his role. The agreement ensures Stewart will continue his Monday night appearances, providing stability to the show amid a shifting late-night television environment.
The renewal was announced on November 3, 2025, with Paramount confirming that Stewart will remain as host and executive producer of the long-running program. Comedy Central detailed that the show’s correspondents—including Ronny Chieng, Josh Johnson, Jordan Klepper, Michael Kosta, Desi Lydic, Troy Iwata, and Grace Kuhlenschmidt—will host on Tuesdays through Thursdays, while Stewart hosts on Mondays. This setup allows for a mix of Stewart’s seasoned commentary and the fresh perspectives of the rotating hosts, maintaining the show’s dynamic appeal.
Stewart, who originally hosted “The Daily Show” from 1999 to 2015, came back in 2024 with the stated goal of offering commentary during the election season. His return has been a ratings boon, with episodes often drawing high viewership and generating significant online discussion, particularly for his critiques of political figures and current events. Fans and critics alike have praised his ability to blend humor with incisive analysis, making the show a reliable source for political satire in a divided media landscape.
This renewal occurs during a period of upheaval in late-night TV. Paramount’s CBS decision to cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in May 2026 shocked the industry and raised questions about the future of political satire on network television. Similarly, Disney’s temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel after monologue controversies underscored the challenges hosts face in navigating political sensitivities and advertiser pressures, highlighting a broader trend of instability in the genre.
Speculation about Stewart’s future had been mounting since the summer, as Paramount completed a merger and new owners took over. Media analysts pointed to his expiring contract and the company’s cost-cutting measures, while fans and colleagues worried that political pressures from the Trump administration might influence the decision, given Stewart’s outspoken nature. His previous monologues had openly questioned whether corporate interests were overriding editorial independence, adding to the uncertainty.
Stewart himself addressed the uncertainty in public appearances, including a recent interview with The New Yorker’s David Remnick, where he affirmed his desire to stay and criticized media capitulation to political bullying. His consistent stance against external pressures resonated with audiences, who saw him as a bulwark against censorship in late-night comedy. This public positioning likely strengthened his negotiating position, culminating in the finalized deal announced this week.
In the official announcement, Ari Pearce, head of Comedy Central, stated, ‘Jon Stewart continues to elevate the genre he created. His return is an ongoing commitment to the incisive comedy and sharp commentary that define The Daily Show.’ He emphasized that the renewal benefits audiences, the network, and partners, highlighting the show’s economic importance to Paramount’s cable properties, which have faced viewer erosion in the streaming era.
Looking ahead, “The Daily Show” is set to remain a key player through the 2026 midterms, offering Stewart’s unique perspective on politics and culture. The program’s hybrid hosting model and lower cost structure compared to traditional late-night shows make it a viable asset for Comedy Central, signaling Paramount’s commitment to maintaining influential content despite industry-wide challenges. As Stewart continues to helm the Monday episodes, viewers can expect his trademark blend of wit and wisdom to shape public discourse in the coming years.