Liputan6.com, Jakarta On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Jon Stewart returned to the host chair of The Daily Show in an unplanned special episode.
Stewart's return was prompted by ABC's indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following controversial comments made by Kimmel.
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Stewart, who typically hosts only on Mondays, took over Desi Lydic's schedule to discuss the fallout from the incident.
The episode focused on the issue of free speech and the growing media pressure on late-night television.
Stewart's unexpected move can be seen on Thursday’s “Daily Show” episode: “A humble, obedient Jon Stewart heaps praise upon America’s Glorious Leader, Donald J. Trump, and provides an FCC-approved refresher on the rules of free speech in the wake of Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension.”
He transformed The Daily Show into a satirical, "government-sanctioned Daily Show" in response to Kimmel's predicament.
Jimmy Kimmel Controversial Statement
ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! occurred on September 17, 2025, one day after Jimmy Kimmel made comments during his monologue.
Kimmel criticized the "MAGA gang" for trying to portray the murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk as not one of them and exploiting the situation for political gain.
These comments sparked a huge critics, including threats from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
Carr threatened ABC and its parent company, Disney, with "action" if the issue was not addressed seriously.
In an initial response, Nexstar Media Group, which owns several ABC affiliates, announced it would suspend Kimmel's broadcast.
This decision was followed by ABC subsequently suspending the show indefinitely, replacing it with reruns of Celebrity Family Feud.
Jon Stewart Takes Over The Daily Show in an Unexpected Move
Jon Stewart, who returned as host of The Daily Show in 2024, typically hosts only Monday episodes.
Other senior correspondents alternate between Tuesday and Thursday, except during the 2024 election, when Stewart also hosted a live special on Tuesday.
However, on September 18, 2025, Stewart made an exception by hosting the Thursday episode.
"The Daily Show" opens with Stewart sitting behind a "Daily Show" desk with gold frames and decorations around it — reminiscent of Trump's recent Oval Office renovation.
He delved deeply into the Kimmel suspension incident and broader issues regarding freedom of expression in the media.
In the special episode, Stewart transformed the set of The Daily Show into a government-sanctioned "The Daily Show," complete with patriotic music and satirical "Trump gold" decor.
The episode's special guest was Maria Ressa, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and CEO of Rappler, who discussed the importance of courage in the face of pressure.
Jon Stewart: Profile, Career, and Achievements
Born Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz on November 28, 1962, in New York City, Jon Stewart legally changed his last name to Stewart in 2001.
This name change was a personal move to sever ties with his father, Donald Leibowitz, who was the energy coordinator for the New Jersey Department of the Treasury.
His mother, Marian Leibowitz, was a teacher and educational consultant.
Jon Stewart's career in entertainment began as a stand-up comedian in 1987, performing at The Bitter End in Greenwich Village, New York City.
His unique talent soon attracted attention, leading him to his first television job as a writer for Caroline's Comedy Hour in 1989.
The most significant moment in Jon Stewart's career was when he took over as host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show in 1999.
During his tenure, which lasted until 2015, he not only hosted the show but also served as a writer and co-executive producer.
Under his leadership, The Daily Show grew into one of the most influential and respected satirical news programs in the United States.