'The Daily Show' Slammed For Not Making Roy Wood Jr. A Permanent Host

Roy Wood Jr. is searching for new TV adventures following the end of his longtime relationship with "The Daily Show."

The comedian became a beloved face on Comedy Central's satire show while acting as a correspondent duringTrevor Noah's hosting days. When the South African sensation left the program in 2022, many believed Wood would fill his shoes, but the opportunity never arrived to fans' dismay.

The stand-up personality recently declared that future episodes of "The Daily Show" would no longer feature his comedic gifts. In a conversation with NPR, the 44-year-old stressed he could no longer wait for a permanent hosting gig.

"I can't come up with Plan B while still working with Plan A. The job of correspondent...It's not really one where you can juggle multiple things. [And] I think eight years is a good run," Wood explained, noting he had no idea if Comedy Central had considered him for the position among other potential candidates. 

Instead of longing for a job he might not get, the Florida A&M University alum packed his bags and left. When asked how the cable channel responded to his sudden departure, the comedian resignedly said: "What could they really say? [They're] not going to give me the job just to keep me."

Despite his aloofness, Wood claimed he would consider Comedy Central's offer if the permanent host job fell at his feet. On the other hand, the showrunners don't seem to be beating themselves up over the 44-year-old's departure. A statement from a representative of "The Daily Show" echoed love for the TV personality but nothing about being sorry to see him go.

"Roy Wood Jr. is a comedic genius and beloved teammate. His insights and hilarity helped us make sense of the 2016 election, the pandemic, and countless hours of Fox News. We thank him for his time with us and can't wait to see what he does next," the spokesperson announced.

The stand-up personality shared similar sentiments about his exit on Instagram, noting he had no qualms with the cable channel. In his statement, the "12 Rising Stars of Comedy" honoree stated he was grateful for the years he spent on the satirical news show.

"After eight amazing years on The Daily Show, where I've been able to pursue my comedic and political curiosities with some of the best writers, producers, crew, and correspondents anyone could hope for, I've made the decision to move on," Wood announced.

The "Father Figure" comedy special star thanked former host Noah, Paramount, and Comedy Central for allowing him to showcase his talents on "The Daily Show," which kick-started other successful gigs. These ventures included Wood hosting two award-winning podcasts, writing and shooting a comedy pilot, writing a film, and much more.

"I look forward to finding other ways to collaborate with them down the road. I am excited to nurture new ideas and see what the future holds for me in the shifting sands of late-night television, scripted comedy, and whatever else the comedy gods may have in store for me in 2024 and beyond," the comedian concluded his farewell message.

Following news of the comedian's departure, the stand-up personality's diehard fans expressed anger towards Comedy Central on X for failing to keep a gem like Wood. "Not giving Roy Wood Jr. the daily show is a crime not even Hasan Minhaj could make up," someone penned, referencing the other correspondent eying the permanent host post.

"The Daily Show really expected Roy Wood Jr. to hang back, ready to be the dynamic sidekick, and watch as they wooed far less interesting (and qualified) people searching for someone to pass him over for host. Just PLAYING in this man's face," a disappointed X user bashed the network.

A third echoed similar sentiments about showrunners' poor decision-making skills, declaring: "Roy Wood, Jr. is one of the best correspondents The Daily Show has ever had, and he’s been criminally underused. He should’ve been first choice for permanent host, no question."

"Very, very curious why they want to test all new hosts when Roy Wood Jr. is right there, he’s been killing it for years, and he smashed his hosting week. Super curious why they think he’s not the right fit. I want to hear them say out loud why ? cause ?," another wondered.

"Imagine not knowing what you have and letting someone amazing walk away. #Damn," an individual lamented. Additionally, one fan compared the situation to sports, writing: "The daily show not giving the job to Roy Wood Jr. is the tv show equivalent of throwing a pass from the goal line instead of handing it off to beastmode."