Jon Stewart fears fate of 'The Daily Show' after Stephen Colbert’s axing, fans say 'no loss there either'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jon Stewart has raised concerns over the future of 'The Daily Show' on Comedy Central following Stephen Colbert’s sudden firing from 'The Late Show'.

Stewart, 62, hosts 'The Daily Show', which is also under Paramount, a company currently navigating an $8 billion merger with Skydance.

Jon Stewart says he hasn't heard from Paramount about show's fate

On his 'The Weekly Show' podcast, Stewart admitted he was unsure of his show's fate if the merger goes through.

CBS confirmed on Thursday that Colbert’s late-night talk show will officially end in May 2026.

"Unfortunately, we haven't heard anything from them," said Jon Stewart on his podcast. "They haven't called me and said like, 'Don't get too comfortable in that office, Stewart!'"

He then joked, "I’ve been kicked out of s*****r establishments than that. We’ll land on our feet."

However, Stewart also admitted, "I honestly don't know what the future of The Daily Show is."

Jon Stewart questions Comedy Central’s priorities as network stalls on naming permanent host

He began hosting the program in 1999 and stepped down in 2015, with Trevor Noah taking over until 2022. Since then, guest hosts, including Stewart, have been rotating, as a permanent host has yet to be announced.

"I'd like to believe that... Like, without The Daily Show, Comedy Central is kind of like muzak at this point. I think we're the only sort of life that exists on a current basis other than South Park," Stewart explained.

"I would like to think we bring enough value to Comedy Central, but that may not be their consideration," he added.

Earlier this week, CBS announced that 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' would not be replaced after its conclusion.

The network said, "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season. We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire the Late Show franchise at that time."

CBS stated that the decision was "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night."

Stewart’s comments came just days after having former '60 Minutes' journalist Steve Kroft on 'The Daily Show' to discuss Paramount's $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump.

Kroft said, "I think there’s a lot of fear. Fear of losing their job, fear of what’s happening to the country, fear of losing the First Amendment. All of those things." He also called the settlement a "shakedown" and added, "Some people call it extortion."

Internet reacts to Jon Stewart's fears

Online reactions poured in after Jon Stewart voiced concerns about 'The Daily Show' with MAGA-leaning users saying it should happen, while others defended him.

"I mean, that’s exactly what’s going to happen…" wrote one user on X.

Another said, "No loss there either!!" while a third added, "Keep the show cancellations coming!"

"Stewart can be funny and amusing at times which is reflected in solid ratings. Colbert is an insufferable and unfunny political hack with low ratings. They are not the same," wrote another.

One more user said, "Late show ain't been funny since Carson or Letterman."

"The King of these late night losers has spoken!! Great work Jon!! Thank you for your service to MAGA 👏👍😂," another user posted.

Someone suggested, "Hear me out. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Followed by The Colbert Report. On Comedy Central. All year long in 2026 through the midterms. If we're going backward in America, let's do it right."

Another reaction read, "I’m done with Jon Stewart. Completely done….. how anyone else isn’t. Is amazing. He literally helped Trump get elected. By pulling a Jake Tapper on his show…. By ignoring Trump’s health decline and focused on Biden’s only."

"I used to watch Jon Stewart every night when I was a teenager. Throw in some Conan, too. I can’t stand the current generation of late show guys. I think Seth Meyers does a decent job, but I sleep at 10 pm every day so I can’t really watch the current format," wrote another. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.