It’s been on the tip of everyone’s tongues for years now, his name that is. Jon Stewart did this. Jon Stewart said that. Mostly positive, sometimes negative, always on point, after 16 years of working as the primary host of The Daily Show Jon Stewart will sign off for the final time this evening, August 6, 2015.
Stewart has a list of accomplishments that include awards and acclaim. But what outweighs those nineteen Emmys, the money, the glory, and even the accolades he genuinely deserves is the fact that Jon Stewart has reached a higher plane; Jon Stewart is a god. Get your religious leanings out of here, and work with me for a second. I don’t mean it in a biblical sense, obviously he can’t cure cancer or turn your pitiful spring water into flowing mead for the masses (unless…can he?) but Stewart has created a name and persona that the Vikings would bow down to in envy, and all by just being himself. The comedic glory, nay, genius that embodies his everyday work has not only taken over the entertainment sphere, but the political one as well. Consider how big that is, where in human history has anyone gained that much pull and innate wisdom from working as an entertainer?
With humble beginnings as a stand-up comedian, Stewart quickly learned the workings of the human mind in a way that social and behavioral scientists should take note of. His wit, empathy, compassion, and general “gives no fucks” attitude has propelled Stewart into the hearts and minds of the public where he’ll sit for eternity regardless of any future endeavors; he’s already kicked all the asses, and taken all the names.
Stewart will be missed, but his work on the show will go on to permeate the ignorance that’s taken up in this country, and (fingers crossed) piss off politicians who will never get it. After his final show, Stewart will wander into the ether to create his next big moment. To celebrate (and mourn) this monumental leap, let’s look back on all the ways in which Stewart proved himself to be worthy of his seat upon the comedic Olympus.
His Compassionate, Sincere Reactions to Tragedies
Back in 2001, in the wake of a post 9/11 world, Stewart returned to The Daily Show with a heavy heart. The city he had been born and raised in was devastated by a nationwide tragedy that would soon impact the world as we knew it. Instead of faltering, or conceding to the oversaturated take on the matter, Stewart offered an apology for what was ahead, “I’m sorry to do this to you…it’s another entertainment show beginning with an overwrought speech of, of a shaken host. And uh, television is nothing if not redundant.” The apology came after looking dead into the camera and candidly asking America if they were ok, offering a “prayer” to those who weren’t. He would describe another attack on American soil from his childhood, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and the safe feeling he harbored as a schoolkid hiding beneath his desk while the world outside crumbled. A feeling he would try, and fail to call back. He’d grow increasingly emotional, and eventually go on to explain that the attacks weren’t a hindrance, but rather, something that could ultimately bring the country together.
More recently, in the wake of the Charleston Church shootings, Stewart addressed viewers with a frank description of his job, and an inability to fulfill his duties in light of the tumultuous calamity America was now facing. Another tragedy born out of blind hatred and ignorance, another moment in time where Stewart was forced to face the music. In a world where comedy acts as a barrier to the everyday, what was his response? Utter disgust, and horror. He scribbled on a sheet of paper, doing his best to quell his anger. “I honestly have nothing, other than sadness, that once again we have to peer into the abyss of the depraved violence that we do to each other and the nexus of this just…gaping racial wound that will not heal yet we pretend doesn’t exist.” In this instance he held back tears in favor of an impassioned speech begging the nation to think on the tyranny we have instilled on ourselves through not only racial inequality, but the sheer hatred that drove a vast mass of people into these situations that are completely avoidable. In both cases Stewart’s reaction resonated with the public, because his response was that of everyone elses feeling utterly powerless in light of attacks on innocent lives. There was no reason to hold back, he had already created a safe place to expound his thoughts and emotions as he felt them.
Satirical and (Mostly) Classy Stance on Berating Politicians
Stewart is no stranger to the backlash from politicians. Believe it or not acting as a fraudulent political reporter for this long will lead to recoil from those being probed. What’s important about Stewart’s interview style, and in turn his treatment of both subject matter and respondent, is the fact that no one is safe from the wrath of Stewart’s tireless inquires. A principal demonstration of his far-reaching viewpoint came in 2004, during the early years of Stewart’s reign on Comedy Central, he appeared on Crossfire to promote his literary venture America: The Book. For those unaware of the show premise, the intention was to pit a conservative and liberal pundit against one another in order to threaten their sensibilities and beliefs. In an unprecedented move, the show invited Stewart on to sit with hosts and hold his own as both sides of the equation.
Early on in the taping he literally asks the hosts to stop hurting America. Essentially he blamed the show (and those like it) for pitting the country against itself and focusing on the micro-issues, going on to explain their role as pawns in the political limelight. They attempted to describe the accountability and importance of their show by contrasting questions he presented on his with theirs. In an ultimate drop of the mic, he explains that his is a comedy show. If that’s their goal, then by all means compare the two, but if not, their point was moot. Without even trying he was able to shut down any counterpoint or “crossfire” thrown his way, a recurring theme in Stewart’s repertoire. It was his job as a satirist to question the obvious, destroy the façade, lift up the weak and topple the powerful. But through it all, Stewart was constantly demonstrating empathy, no matter the differences in ideals, reminding us that we’re all only human.
Jumpstarting (or Adding to) the Careers of Comedians
There are several names that have been influenced and enlivened by Stewart during his time behind the desk. Part of this comes from the general approachability Stewart emanates both on and off screen. Before Stewart even landed The Daily Show he advocated for up and coming comedians through his work. By the time he was in a position to hire those he (and eventually the public) deemed worthy, it was less of an opportunity and more of a guarantee; they would have the chance to make something of themselves due in great part to the popularity and harmonious congruity that came from working for The Daily Show. Notable acts included Steve Carell, who worked in tandem with Stephen Colbert. Wyatt Cenac (comedian), Michael Che (Evening Update, SNL), Josh Gad (Frozen, The Comedians), John Oliver (Last Week Tonight), Ed Helms (The Office, The Hangover), and Olivia Munn (Xmen: Apocalypse).
If the career of the comedian or actor didn’t take off after being a part of Stewart’s “news team” it was consistently due to unforeseen circumstances. One of the charms behind the team has been the names each correspondent was given. For instance, current reporter Jessica Williams is listed as the “Senior Youth Correspondent” and “Senior Beyoncé Correspondent.” It’s the little things, the effort put into cultivating these personas that aids in the whimsical upkeep of the satirical way of life. One of the best examples of this is the “Even Stephven” segment featuring Colbert and Carell. Essentially a satire of show like Crossfire, the skit would entail a lot of yelling by Carell, and hushing by Colbert. The two would combat through the use of antiquated ideals and a metaphorical pissing match that would mostly go nowhere, though the result was consistently followed by uproarious laughter by the audience. It was these moments, these people, that would continue to uplift the satirical news show.
Creating A New Form Comedy
The late night format is considered to be in a constant state of flux. Why wouldn’t it? In a world of streaming second hand episodes, constantly updated content and material is necessary to stand out among the monotonous oversaturated market which competes for your partially divided attention. One of the greatest things about Jon Stewart is the seamless hosting style he’s developed over the years. He’s the living embodiment of the angry outbursts produced by the likes of Carlin and Black. He’s able to harness the satirical energy produced by Mel Brooks, Steve Martin, and the vast bank of living legends that make up the SNL crew, all while holding onto a dead pan sense of humor that would give the Monty Python cast a run for their money. He emulates this with his ability to just be himself. This has not only been the key to The Daily Show’s success, but has also set the standard for the cadence and the tone of the late night scene. Not everyone can be on all the time as an exhausted Stewart can testify, but there’s no point in making a go of it every night without at least trying to establish a well-rounded attitude towards key issues presented in the form of the opening monologue.
Stewart’s new form comedy was the key in his overall transformation, a moment in time that would propel him towards being “the most trusted man in America” and for some the most infuriating. Realistically, Stewart is nothing more than a comic parading about the world with an inflated sense of self and strong political opinions. And yet, we love him for it; he does it with style. He was not the first to attempt this feat, and after his little stunts he definitely won’t be the last. Stewart has the capability of setting trends among the masses before they even realize they’ve assimilated. Aside from the obvious (Oliver and Colbert,) think to the current state of affairs in late night. The younger faces adorning the television screen with their strong opinions, overwrought facial expressions, and commanding assertions surrounding pop culture are no longer lacking the special brand of quip seemingly dedicated to cable and satire. Instead, the appropriation of the smoldering gibes are commonplace.
We don’t have to worry about who will take the place of Jon Stewart; we can seek solace in the everyday entertainment that has grown and evolved with Stewart behind the desk chair. So while you consider my initial theory, and the realization flows over your ostensibly unwilling ego, know that just like a god Stewart is everywhere. He’s embedded in that new comedy hour, your preferred talk show. On the lips of the non-believers, and in the hearts of all those who understand that Stewart doesn’t need to be right, he already is.
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