Why Jon Stewart’s return to ‘The Daily Show’ makes sense all around

Reactions to Jon Stewart returning to “The Daily Show” after more than eight years – hosting one day a week and overseeing the rest – were decidedly mixed. While some embraced the news with enthusiasm, others, including writers in Time and the Huffington Post, saw it as a step back, even “regressive.”

Reactions to Jon Stewart returning to “The Daily Show” after more than eight years – hosting one day a week and overseeing the rest – were decidedly mixed. While some embraced the news with enthusiasm, others, including writers in Time and the Huffington Post, saw it as a step back, even “regressive.” Turning to the show’s former host of 16 years, after more than a year of thumb-twiddling since successor Trevor Noah signed off, doesn’t appear risk-taking or bold. But it does make considerable sense on both ends, with Stewart reclaiming a prominent platform during an election year, and Comedy Central benefiting not only from his skills as an entertainer but perhaps more importantly, as a proven developer of comedy talent. Although it’s easy to forget, the sons and daughters of “The Daily Show” represent a truly impressive roster, including Noah, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, John Oliver, Samantha Bee, Jessica Williams, Rob Riggle, Jason Jones and Jordan Klepper. In his final episode back in 2015, Stewart spoke proudly of “the talent that has passed through these doors,” while Colbert lauded his former boss for being “infuriatingly good at your job.” Stewart hasn’t exactly remained dormant during his time in the wilderness, doggedly advocating for veterans and hosting a program for Apple TV+, “The Problem with Jon Stewart.” Yet that show never really caught on, and he hasn’t enjoyed the same cultural footprint he commanded during his time on Comedy Central, where he emerged as one of the most astute observers of politics and media, delivering a four-night-a-week balm of much-needed wit and sanity to those who shared his criticisms and concerns. “I very much wanted to have some place to unload thoughts as we get into this election season,” Stewart said during an appearance on “CBS Mornings” on Monday. “I thought I was going to do it over at — they call it Apple TV+. It’s a television enclave, very small. It’s like living in Malibu. They decided, they felt that they didn’t want me to say things that might get me in trouble.”