Jon Stewart Confirms Plans to Continue Hosting “The Daily Show” Amid Media Shifts

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 role, acknowledging the complexity introduced by recent changes within Comedy Central and its parent company.

Stewart addressed questions about his future, noting, “It’s not as clear-cut as all that,” while emphasizing the evolving media landscape. When pressed on whether he would stay if given full autonomy, he affirmed, “Yes.”

The comedian, who previously anchored the show from 1999 to 2015 and returned in 2024 for Monday broadcasts, highlighted rotating guest hosts for other weekdays. The conversation shifted to tensions between entertainment networks and political figures, with Stewart criticizing attempts to silence voices in comedy and media.

He warned of growing threats to press freedom, suggesting the U.S. risks drifting toward “some kind of soft autocracy where news is controlled.” Despite this, he argued that journalists and entertainers still hold influence, urging resilience against suppression.

Stewart also addressed emerging personalities like Joe Rogan, advocating for quality content over dismissal. He stressed the importance of combating misinformation by producing superior alternatives rather than rejecting platforms outright.

Zoe Papadakis, a Newsmax writer based in South Africa, specializes in media and entertainment, with two decades of experience as a reporter, writer, and editor across various publications.