Jon Stewart has confirmed that his Apple TV+ show, The Problem with Jon Stewart, was cancelled by Apple executives for fear of what the outspoken commentator might say during the 2024 elections.
Appearing on CBS Mornings ahead of his return as the part-time host of The Daily Show, Stewart said he returned to the program that made him a household name as he felt he needed a platform to speak about the presidential race—and his former bosses weren’t comfortable with that.
“I wanted a place to unload thoughts as we get into this election season,” Stewart said. “I thought I was going to do it over at — they call it Apple TV+. It’s a television enclave, very small. It’s like living in Malibu. But they decided … they felt that they didn’t want me to say things that might get me in trouble.”
The Problem With Jon Stewart came to an abrupt end last October as Stewart and Apple parted ways weeks before the show’s third season was set to begin taping. That show was Stewart’s first regular television appearance in six years after his 16-year Daily Show run at Comedy Central.
Stewart has never shied away from controversial topics. The Problem with Jon Stewart had already tackled issues including gender identity and gun control, with many episodes going viral. The most recent season was nominated for an Emmy in the outstanding talk series category. But it was Stewart’s outspoken style on political matters that made him a star on The Daily Show. He continued to keep politicians accountable after leaving that program, often holding press conferences in Washington D.C. on matters including 9/11 First Responders and health benefits for veterans. In 2022, Stewart was the recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in humor.