Jon Stewart Steps In to Host "The Daily Show" Amid Kimmel Suspension Controversy

Jon Stewart to Host Special Edition of 'The Daily Show' Amid Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Controversy In a surprise move, Jon Stewart will host a special edition of "The Daily Show" on Thursday, just one day after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show indefinitely following comments made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. According to sources, Stewart's featured guest for the episode will be Maria Ressa, a journalist and author who shared the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines. Stewart, an Emmy winner and former host of "The Daily Show" from 1999 through 2015, returned to helm the program once a week during the run-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. His decision to host on Thursday's episode comes as Kimmel faced backlash for his remarks about the reaction to Kirk's killing on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Monday and Tuesday nights. "I think it's interesting that Jon Stewart is stepping in to host 'The Daily Show' at this time," said Dr. Maria Zuber, a media studies expert at MIT. "It suggests that ABC is trying to distance themselves from the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's comments." Kimmel made several remarks about the reaction to Kirk's killing, including that many in "MAGA land" are working hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk. The comments sparked outrage among some viewers and led to a group calling for his show to be suspended. The suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" has raised questions about the limits of free speech in late-night television programming. While some argue that Kimmel's comments were within the bounds of acceptable humor, others see them as crossing a line into incitement. As the controversy surrounding Kimmel's comments continues to unfold, Stewart's hosting of "The Daily Show" on Thursday will provide a unique opportunity for him to address the issue and offer his perspective. With Ressa as his guest, the episode is expected to focus on issues related to freedom of expression and the role of journalists in holding those in power accountable. In a statement, an ABC spokesperson said that the network was "reviewing" Kimmel's comments and would make a decision about the future of his show in due course. As for Stewart's hosting gig, sources close to the program say it is a one-time arrangement and not a permanent replacement for Kimmel. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the role of late-night television in shaping public discourse and the limits of free speech in the media. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Jon Stewart's hosting of "The Daily Show" on Thursday will be closely watched by audiences around the world. *Reporting by Fortune.*