Jon Stewart might not be the only host of The Daily Show — Craig Kilborn hosted the original program from 1996-98 — but the comedian-commentator will always be associated with his work on the show, spanning from 1999 through this week’s final episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (11 p.m. Thursday, Comedy Central).
Throughout his tenure, Stewart was an equal-opportunity offender, cleverly dancing the line between serving up fake news and real commentary. He became the master of mocking the news and people who make headlines. And while the show maintains that it’s a comedy and not a news program, Stewart and friends introduced an audience that might not otherwise be interested in current events to real issues and figures that matter, and even offered some serious moments (the first show after 9/11 stands out).
But The Daily Show lives on with new host Trevor Noah taking the reins beginning Sept. 28. And even without Stewart, the program remains a catalyst for new faces of funny — the show gave us Stephen Colbert (once host of his own satirical show and soon to be the new face of the Late Show), Steve Carell, Ed Helms, John Oliver (himself the host of the excellent Last Week Tonight newsweekly on HBO) and many more. Most recently, longtime correspondents and real-life married couple Samantha Bee and Jason Jones left to pursue their own TBS sitcom (as Bee preps to host her own talk show on the network). It will be interesting to see not only Noah, but also new contributors in the mix.
Before Stewart’s final episode, comic Louis C.K. stops by The Daily Show Wednesday, and Comedy Central will air an all-day marathon Thursday, leading to a “super-sized” finale with plenty of surprise guests.
WEDNESDAY 05
Mr. Robinson (Series Premiere, 9 p.m., NBC) – Craig Robinson is back on the small screen with back-to-back episodes of his new sitcom. Robinson plays a musician who tries to win back an ex by substituting as a music teacher at the school where she works. The white principal — in one two-minute scene — refers to his “Coco Crisp hair,” “regal Nubian glow” and “sweet African musk” and calls him Shaft, so … it’s a comedy!
Lachey’s Bar (10:30 p.m., A&E) – The bros get schooled in the art of bartending and serve as Oktoberfest Grand Marshals.
THURSDAY 06
Project Runway (Season Premiere, 9 p.m., Lifetime) – Heidi, Tim, Zac and Nina return for a 14th season. For their first challenge, the 16 competing designers must use only the fabric they can gather in three minutes. Model Hannah Davis guest-judges.
Lip Sync Battle (10 p.m., Spike) – It’s a Broad City showdown with Abbi Jacobson taking on Ilana Glazer.
Married (10:30 p.m., FX) – Russ and A.J. enjoy a guys’ night out while Lina attempts to be a cool mom.
SATURDAY 08
Hannibal (10 p.m., NBC) – The FBI discovers carvings from Dolarhyde’s crime scenes that help paint a picture of his messed-up mind. Elsewhere, Will and Dolarhyde both reach out to Hannibal. Zachary Quinto guest-stars.
SUNDAY 09
True Detective (Season Finale, 9 p.m., HBO) – Frank, Ani, Ray and others work to find the truth and make it out alive in this 90-minute finale. Plot Twist: Emily becomes the biggest victim, locked in a motel room for the rest of eternity with Paul’s creepy mom (for whom we’ll never get a proper explanation).
Humans (9 p.m., AMC) – Karen (whom we learn more about this week) hunts down Niska as George tries to protect her. The sentient synths reconvene at the Hawkins’ home.
CONTACT JAC KERN: jkern@citybeat.com or @jackern
This article appears in Aug 5-11, 2015.