By Zoe Papadakis | Tuesday, 28 October 2025 12:02 PM EDT
Jon Stewart revealed plans to remain as host of “The Daily Show” beyond his current contract, which expires in December, during a discussion at The New Yorker Festival. He stated that negotiations are ongoing for his continued involvement, telling the audience, “We’re working on staying.” However, he acknowledged uncertainties stemming from recent shifts in the media landscape, including changes at Comedy Central’s parent company.
When questioned by New Yorker editor David Remnick about whether he would stay if the decision were solely his, Stewart affirmed, “Yes.” The comedian previously hosted the show from 1999 to 2015 before returning in 2024 for Monday broadcasts, with rotating guest hosts for other days.
The conversation at the Manhattan event expanded to tensions between entertainment networks and political figures. Remnick referenced Paramount’s ownership changes and ABC’s temporary suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following a controversial September segment. Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel’s remarks, while former President Donald Trump condemned the network on Truth Social.
Stewart, a vocal critic of Trump and advocate for political satire, emphasized the importance of resisting external pressures. He urged entertainers to persist in their work “til they tell you to leave,” warning of potential threats to press freedom and suggesting the U.S. could face “some kind of soft autocracy where news is controlled.” Despite these concerns, he argued that journalists and comedians still hold significant influence.
Stewart also addressed emerging media personalities like Joe Rogan, advising critics to focus on producing superior content rather than dismissing them outright. He stressed the need to combat misinformation by “fighting like hell to get better information out there,” noting that no individual remains unplatformed in today’s media environment.
