The political pundit and media icon took over for Craig Kilborn in 1999 as host of The Daily Show. Kilborn anchored a show that was little-watched but provided a funny take on modern news. Stewart however, managed to transform The Daily Show into an international sensation – poking fun at the current administration, celebrities and the quirks of the American way.
In the past few years, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart received a lot of press for “disinforming” itsviewers.
From news segments with titles like “This Week in God” and “Public Excess,” to convincing Sen. John McCain to admit his Liberty University commencement speech was the result of “going into crazy base world,” The Daily Show does not simply poke fun at American politics -it humiliates them for pleasure.
Several Daily Show news correspondents become successful in the entertainment business. Steve Carell, Daily Show correspondent from 1999-2004, has starred in many recent films, such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Little Miss Sunshine, as well as television series The Office, in which he plays a dunce who manages a paper company branch.
Stephen Colbert, correspondent from 1997-2005, created his own spin-off news show, The Colbert Report, in 2005 – parodying the typical Fox News format.
Once The Colbert Report launched, Stewart began checking in with Colbert at the end of each Daily Show episode.
Today, Stewart is not seen as much of a stand-up performer, so to see him on the Merriweather stage will be something new for his fans. Most of Stewart’s fans are used to seeing him behind
The Daily Show desk, not live, but the comedy circuit is where Stewart got his start and he is sure to be a success. In an age where political awareness is never without a healthy dose of cynicism, Stewart has succeeded in making light of the political climate.
Jon Stewart will be performing at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia Saturday at 8 p.m. The pavilion is sold out, but tickets are available for $40.
