Jon Stewart is coming back to television — sort of. The former host for Comedy Central’s The Daily Show has signed an exclusive four-year deal with HBO, under which he’ll produce original digital content for release on the network’s online platforms.
Stewart, who hosted the Daily Show from 1999-2015 and garnered 23 Emmys during his tenure, will not launch a TV show with HBO as of yet, though Stewart’s HBO pact does include first-look options for film and TV ventures. For now, the satirical news host will focus on producing short-form digital content for distribution on platforms like HBO GO and HBO Now. Stewart’s first project includes partnering with cloud graphics company OTOY Inc. to create technology that will aid the host in delivering various news and current-events segments throughout the day.
HBO won’t be Stewart’s first foray into the digital world. The comedian has already made some notable digital appearances in the not-so-distant past. For example, the Daily Show host appeared on a segment of Zach Galifianakis’ Between Two Ferns Funny or Die web series. Stewart also teamed with fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert to create a comedic promotional video for an Omaze fundraising campaign based on the Star Wars: Force for Change charity.
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“Jon Stewart led a revolution that changed the face of TV comedy on the Daily Show,” said Michael Lombardo, President of HBO Programming, as reported by Deadline. “He graced our network nearly 20 years ago, so we’re thrilled to welcome back his immense talents in this next chapter of his career.”
“I’m so excited to be working with Richard [Plepler], Michael, and the entire HBO family,” Stewart added. “Appearing on television 22 minutes a night clearly broke me. I’m pretty sure I can produce a few minutes of content every now and again.”
