The buzz surrounding Jon Stewart’s return to The Daily Show desk is comparable to NBA legend Michael Jordan’s comeback to the Chicago Bulls in 1995, according to John Oliver, the former Daily Show correspondent turned host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight. In an interview with NBC’s Willie Geist, Oliver humorously exclaimed, “Jordan’s back!” upon learning the news, which came as a surprise during the interview.
Expressing his astonishment, Oliver acknowledged Stewart’s excellence as a host and anticipated the excitement of witnessing his return. However, Oliver also suggested that the show should consider appointing a permanent host after Stewart’s stint, naming Amber Ruffin, former Peacock host, and Roy Wood Jr., former Daily Show correspondent, as strong contenders.
The reactions to Stewart’s return extended beyond Oliver, with fellow Daily Show alumni sharing their thoughts. Trevor Noah, who succeeded Stewart, posted a brief but enthusiastic message on social media, exclaiming, “Yessssssss he’s back,” accompanied by five “raising hands” emojis. Jordan Klepper, a former correspondent, playfully remarked on Stewart’s return, saying, “This dude’s been juicing,” and welcoming him home on Instagram.
Other Daily Show contributors, including Troy Iwata and Grace Kuhlenschmidt, also joined in expressing their excitement through posts on social media platforms. Stewart’s close relationship with the show’s correspondents has left a lasting impact, serving as a launching pad for the success of talents like Oliver, Samantha Bee, Hasan Minhaj, and Stephen Colbert, all of whom went on to host their own late-night shows.
The show’s veteran contributors, such as Steve Carell, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle, and others, have continued to make their mark in the entertainment industry. Stewart’s final show in 2015 was a poignant moment, with a reunion of almost all the correspondents and contributors, including emotional exchanges during a commercial break.
As Stewart prepares to return after nearly a decade, the response from fans and colleagues will be eagerly anticipated to see how he reclaims the desk he left in 2015.
