The Daily Show may be getting a new host for 2026, and there’s a clear frontrunner for the gig. Jon Stewart started hosting The Daily Show in 1998, replacing original host Craig Kilborn. He remained in the coveted position until 2015, when Trevor Noah took over the role.
In 2024, Stewart returned to his desk, taking over The Daily Show once again on Monday nights. Now, his job may be in jeopardy. Paramount Global, the owners of Comedy Central, recently canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, sparking concern over the fate of other late-night shows. CBS claimed the decision was financial, but others have speculated there may have been a political component.
The Late Show was canceled after Paramount Global settled a lawsuit with President Donald Trump for $16 million, prompting fears that Colbert’s jokes about the president played a role in the ending of his show. Stewart has even addressed speculation thatThe Daily Show may get canceled.
Even if The Daily Show lives to see another season, Stewart may not return with it. The comedian’s contract ends in December 2025, and so far, Stewart’s contract renewal hasn’t been announced. If Stewart’s time with The Daily Show is up, there’s a clear successor.
Desi Lydic Should Host The Daily Show
Desi Lydic is the right person to take over hosting The Daily Show. Lydic first joined the show in 2015, right after Noah took over as host. The Daily Show wasn’t her first time on a Paramount property; Lydic was previously a cast member on MTV’s Awkward.
In the past ten years, Lydic has made herself a staple of the Comedy Central news show. She’s guest hosted the show countless times and recently won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama Or Variety Series and Outstanding Performer In A Short Form Comedy Or Drama Series. Both were for her work on The Daily Show: Desi Lydic Foxsplains.
Lydic has proven she’s funny, talented, and more than capable of taking over as host. If Stewart is in fact departing the show, Lydic is the obvious choice to take over.
Late-Night Needs A Female Host
If Lydic did become the host of The Daily Show, she would be the only female late-night host currently on TV. Women have taken the late-night stage in the past, with shows like Full Frontal With Samantha Bee and After Midnight hosted by Taylor Tomlinson garnering plenty of laughs. However, every late-night host currently on the air is a man.
In 2025, there’s no reason a woman shouldn’t be hosting a late-night show. Lydic has paid her dues and proven she’s an award-winning force to be reckoned with. Lydic should become the new host of The Daily Show.
The Daily Show
- Release Date
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July 22, 1996
- Directors
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Chuck O’Neil
- Writers
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Allison Silverman, Charlie Grandy, Hallie Haglund, Sam Means, Wyatt Cenac, Scott Jacobson, Rob Kutner, Rich Blomquist, Jonathan Bines, Elliott Kalan, Aaron Bergeron, Tom Johnson, john oliver, Jason Reich, Eric Drysdale, Daniel J. Goor, Chris Regan, Travon Free, Rachel Axler