Jon Stewart is brushing off reports that the Skydance-Paramount merger could cost him his job at The Daily Show.
Speaking on this week’s episode of The Weekly Show podcast, Stewart addressed speculation that Skydance, once in charge of the newly combined company, might oust him.
“Boy, that’s a good question,” Stewart said when asked if he thought his days were numbered. “We haven’t heard anything from them. They haven’t called me and said, ‘Don’t get too comfortable in that office, Stewart.’”
He added with a laugh, “Let me tell you something—I’ve been kicked out of shittier establishments than that. We’ll land on our feet.”
The remarks come amid growing unease inside CBS and Comedy Central as the Skydance-Paramount deal nears completion. Some insiders believe late night stalwarts Stewart and Stephen Colbert could be targeted—not necessarily because of cost-cutting, but because of their vocal opposition to Trump, with whom Skydance founder David Ellison has aligned himself.
On last week’s Daily Show, Stewart slammed Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Trump over a 60 Minutes segment, calling it “shameful.” The segment abruptly cut to a satirical Arby’s ad mid-monologue, parodying corporate censorship. Stewart played along but didn’t hide the tension: “Did they? Son of a bitch!”
Addressing the uncertainty on his podcast, Stewart said he’s operating without any real insight into Skydance’s plans. “I honestly don’t know,” he said. “Comedy Central is kind of like music at this point without I think we’re the only sort of in like life that exists on a current basis other than like South Park reruns of The Office, but it’s the only thing on there.”
“I’d like to think we bring enough value to the property,” he added, “but that may not be their consideration. They may sell the whole f*cking place for parts.”
Still, Stewart insisted that if he does get the axe, he’ll find another home. “I’m so happy and proud of everybody that works over there that like—if they want to do that, knock themselves out,” he said. Citing Jay Leno’s old Doritos ads, he added: “Crunch all you want. We’ll make more.”
As for the political subtext surrounding the merger, Stewart struck a hopeful note: “We’ve all got a surmisal about who actually is owning it and what his ideology is, but ideology may not play a part. One could hope.”
Until the ink dries on the Skydance deal, Stewart seems content to wait it out—and to keep swinging.
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shame the president can’t take the heat as all other presidents have…perhaps too much truth was told…the man who would be king…the boy man president….I will greatly miss cobert and company?!!!!!
The man has made enough to not give an f over shit like this. Im jealous