Skydance Locks Jon Stewart Into 'Daily Show' Deal Through 2028 Election

Key points

• Stewart's new contract extends through December 2028, covering the next presidential election cycle.
• He will continue hosting Monday nights, while Ronny Chieng, Josh Johnson, Jordan Klepper, Michael Kosta, and Desi Lydic rotate on other nights.
• The agreement is Stewart's longest extension since his 2024 return, following two one-year renewals.
• Skydance TV co-chair George Cheeks praised Stewart as a 'generational talent' and a cornerstone of Comedy Central.
• The move follows the recent $110 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Background

Stewart returned to 'The Daily Show' in February 2024 after leaving in 2015. His previous contract, signed in November 2025, was set to expire at the end of 2026. Recent archive coverage highlights Stewart's active criticism of the Trump administration, including segments on AI self-regulation and military ship conditions, which may have influenced the decision to retain him.

How outlets are covering it

All four sources confirm the two-year extension through 2028. CNN and The Washington Post emphasize the political context, noting that the deal resolves fears that Skydance might cancel the show due to its criticism of President Trump, similar to the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show.' Deadline and Variety focus on the corporate structure, highlighting that this is the first major late-night announcement from the newly formed Skydance TV entity. CNN notes that Stewart's deal is his longest since returning, while Variety points out that ratings for the show have increased since his return.

Why it matters

The extension signals that Skydance is not moving to censor or cancel politically critical late-night programming, despite the merger's scrutiny. It ensures continuity for a major cable franchise through a key political cycle and stabilizes the leadership of Comedy Central's flagship show.

What to watch

Stewart will continue hosting Monday nights through 2028. The show will maintain its rotating host structure for Tuesday through Thursday. No further contract details or financial terms were disclosed.