‘Daily Show’ Names Trevor Noah as Jon Stewart’s Successor
Comedian Trevor Noah has been named Jon Stewart‘s Daily Show successor. The 31-year-old, biracial South African – who previously contributed several on-air series appearances – revealed the news in an interview with The New York Times. “You don’t believe it for the first few hours,” he told the publication of learning about the new job. “You need a stiff drink, and then unfortunately you’re in a place where you can’t really get alcohol.”
Noah – the son of a black mother and white father – was raised in Soweto, an urban area of Johannesburg, during the turbulent era of apartheid. The comedian, who speaks six languages, performed across the U.S. between 2010 and 2012 – earning a fan in Stewart, who recruited him for the series.
“I’m thrilled for the show and for Trevor,” Stewart said in a statement. “He’s a tremendous comic and talent that we’ve loved working with. [I] may rejoin as a correspondent just to be a part of it!!!”
Stewart, who has hosted the satirical current events comedy for 16 years, announced his plans to depart The Daily Show during a taping on February 10th. Neither he nor Comedy Central have confirmed a concrete timetable for his exit.
Upon learning the news, the network immediately made a “shortlist” of successor candidates. “Trevor checked off every box on that list and then some,” said Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless. “He brings such a unique worldview and a deep understanding of human nature, which makes his comedy so insightful. He’s truly a student of the world.”
The New York Times notes that Noah is a somewhat odd choice, given his lack of experience. The hire could also draw criticism for the network not hiring a female in an age of male-dominated late-night hosts. But Ganeless is adamant that talent and vision – more than gender or visibility – was Noah’s selling point.
“We talked to women. We talked to men. We found in Trevor the best person for the job.” she said. “You don’t hope to find the next Jon Stewart – there is no next Jon Stewart. So, our goal was to find someone who brings something really exciting and new and different.” Stewart reportedly served as a “consigliere” during the hiring process.