'The Daily Show' To Continue Following Trevor Noah's Exit

Late last week, the world was rocked by comedian Trevor Noahannouncing his impending exit as host of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show." It raises the question: What happens now?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Comedy Central plans to continue the longtime talk show and satirical news program without Trevor Noah.

THR reports that the series will continue on Comedy Central, while there was some speculation within the industry that it could continue as an exclusive show on Paramount+ after Noah leaves.

It appears show staffers and Comedy Central were blindsided by Noah's announcement. Sources for THR indicated that Paramount executive Chris McCarthy, who oversees Comedy Central, along with the show's staff didn't know about plans to leave until he made the announcement.

Also, McCarthy had lunch with Noah last Wednesday (September 28), and Noah reportedly gave no indication he was going to announce his exit the following day. In a special announcement last week, Noah announced that his time on the show is up after hosting the show for seven years. The video was also shared on the show's social media channels.

https://youtu.be/IklbpAJX6oM

Additionally, THR notes that in June Noah had extended his option to stay as host of "The Daily Show" for two more years. He also had an option in his contract that could have kept him on as host through the 2024-2025 season. That is another reason why staffers were shocked by his decision to leave.

THR reports that discussions with Noah on his final episodes and end date are expected to start this week. After they determine his sign-off date, McCarthy and Paramount executives will then begin talks on Noah's upcoming replacement as host.

A Comedy Central spokesperson revealed to THR that show's "incredible correspondents" will be on the list of potential replacements. However, the network plans on properly celebrating Noah for his work on "The Daily Show" first.

Some of the current correspondents who could serve as possible replacements include Ronny Chieng, Desi Lydic, Roy Wood Jr., Michael Kosta, and Dulcé Sloan.

During his announcement, Noah noted that he felt "like it's time" to leave, hence his decision. He discussed that he missed doing stand-up work and shows and that he wanted to get back on the road, learning "other languages," traveling the world, and "just being everywhere doing everything."

Noah said that he would remain on as host for "the time being" until all the deals on his exit were hashed out. THR also noted that Noah wanted to spend more time touring with his stand-up routine.

He will also maintain his deal with his production company, Day Zero, with Paramount for multiple projects. His work on "The Daily Show" usually prevented him from becoming more involved with his production company's other various projects.

Noah began as host of "The Daily Show" in 2015, taking over for former host Jon Stewart, who hosted the show from 1999 to 2015. The series' original host, Craig Kilborn, served as host from 1996 to 1998.