Opinion: New host for ‘The Daily Show?’ It’s time for a woman
Another king of political satire is moving on, but this time we don’t know where he’s going next or who is coming in.
Jon Stewart of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” announced on Tuesday he would be leaving the show later this year, after nearly 16 years.
While Comedy Central said the show will continue, who will take over is a question people have been rabid about since the announcement. “The Daily Show” has managed to produce America’s top political satirists, which all have one thing in common: they are all male.
Comedy Central’s other beloved satirist, Stephen Colbert, recently left his show, “The Colbert Report,” last year to take over “The Late Show” on CBS from David Letterman. Colbert actually launched his show in 2005 after working as a “Daily Show” correspondent. Former “Daily Show” correspondent and interim host John Oliver has also been snatched up by HBO for his show, “Last Week Tonight.”
Not that guys aren’t hilarious, but women are funny, too. Why is it that seemingly every late-night talk show or satiric comedy show is hosted by a man, while women are more likely to host daytime talk shows about cooking and crafts? Television continues to reinforce basic gender stereotypes that are outdated. I’m not going to lie: I like my cooking and crafts, but I also like witty entertainment and satiric news. I wonder why I don’t see more women doing that? It’s time for a queen of political satire, and there are plenty of contenders.
Amidst the unknown takeover, CBS decided to take their own guess, listing comedians they think are up to par. Some of the guesses are what dreams are made of. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, anyone? Some are right under our noses. Jessica Williams, who already appears on “The Daily Show” as a senior youth and senior Beyoncé correspondent could potentially be a contender. She’s charming, she’s funny and I think she could be a potential replacement given her involvement in the show and her comedic chops. The only question remaining is if she is ready, which I cannot be the judge of.
Support for Poehler has also exploded online. Photoshopped copies of Amy Poehler’s book “Yes Please” replaced with “The Daily Show” have been on Facebook, and you can even sign a petition for her to be the next host. If you think about it, she is actually perfect. Poehler was phenomenal when she hosted “Weekend Update” on SNL, and her government comedy show “Parks and Recreation” is coming to a close.
Maybe we will be surprised with someone new, and practically unknown. Still, I’m counting on a female host.