Former comedian Jon Stewart is set to host an underground show on Comedy Central until December. Now, perhaps due to limited options after his previous endeavors, he’s reportedly discussing the possibility of extending his time there.
So, why not? His career as a film director didn’t pan out. Acting didn’t go well for him either, and his attempt at hosting a serious current affairs show didn’t exactly shine. Additionally, it seems Comedy Central might be paying him a hefty sum to work just once a week—specifically on Mondays.
Wouldn’t it be nice if your Fridays felt like Tuesdays? Yeah, he’s definitely someone with whom you might find common ground.
“We are working towards staying,” Stewart mentioned, sharing his thoughts with a publication. He criticized his new employer, Skydance, which recently acquired Paramount along with the struggling Comedy Central.
“They’re already doing things that frustrate me,” he said. “But if I had any integrity, I’d probably say, ‘I’m out of here.’ Or maybe, the real honest thing would be to stick around and keep battling it out,” he reflectively stated, adding, “I won’t compromise on what I do, and I’ll keep at it until they tell me to leave.”
Before the merger, Paramount had also asked Stephen Colbert to step down due to his show’s declining ratings, as CBS’s The Late Show was losing around $50 million annually. Reports suggest Colbert and his particular brand of commentary may finally be out by March.
Stewart’s ratings might not be better than Colbert’s, but that doesn’t mean daily show is inherently a financial drain. Production costs are likely lower, and most of the other weekday hosts probably don’t rake in much either.
Yet, the show can’t solely rely on its own merits for survival. It hinges on advertising revenue tied to viewership numbers. If not enough people tune in, it’s a tough spot. Comedy Central likely survives on cable subscription fees that don’t necessarily reflect the quality of content. If Comedy Central is part of your cable plan, well, you’re kind of supporting that content through your bill.
Streaming is not only challenging cable television, but it’s also shaking the very foundation of the left-leaning media landscape built on those inflated operational costs. Without those fees, networks like MTV, CNN, MSNBC, and Comedy Central would struggle to exist. Otherwise, we might see Jon Stewart looking for new opportunities.
It will take some time before this entire industry stabilizes, but it’s clear that change is on the horizon.
