Behind the Scenes of an Emmy-Nominated Hit

The Evolution of Late-Night Television

Before Paramount’s “The Daily Show” went on a month-long break in August, host Jon Stewart shared his insights on the state of late-night television. He described the current financial models as "basically operating a Blockbuster kiosk inside a Tower Records," highlighting the challenges faced by traditional late-night shows. This commentary followed CBS's announcement that it would cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” after the next season ends in May 2026. The studio also decided to end the “The Late Show” franchise altogether.

In an era dominated by YouTube videos and podcasts, which often operate on minimal budgets, it's increasingly difficult to justify the high costs associated with producing elaborate late-night programs. The Deseret News reached out to “The Daily Show” director David Paul Meyer to explore the future of late-night television and the experience of managing a satirical, politically charged show in today's polarized environment.

A Decade of Innovation and Change

This year marks a decade since Meyer joined Comedy Central’s late-night show. He came on board when Trevor Noah was the host. Since Noah's departure in 2022, the program has not hired a permanent replacement, but Jon Stewart, a former host, stepped in to host one night a week. Other anchors on the roster include Ronny Chieng, Jordan Klepper, Michael Kosta, and Desi Lydic.

Stewart's return as host is his second stint with “The Daily Show,” following his tenure from 1999 to 2015. The cancellation of his Apple TV show, “The Problem with Jon Stewart,” coincided with a period when “The Daily Show” sought a new direction. It seems to be working, as recent ratings indicate a significant improvement.

Rising Ratings and Growing Viewership

According to a Deadline report, the show saw its best ratings in 10 years during April, May, and June this year. Viewership among people aged 18 to 49 increased by 44% compared to last year, and on streaming platform Paramount+, it rose by 21%. On Monday nights, when Stewart hosts, viewership climbed from 511,000 to 550,000.

The report also highlighted that “The Daily Show” was the most viewed late-night talk show across social media during that quarter, earning over 1.8 billion views in three months.

Behind the Scenes of “The Daily Show”

While Stewart is the face of the show, Meyer plays a crucial role in directing and producing the program, which tapes Monday through Thursday. He divides his day between upstairs and downstairs, managing both his director and executive producer duties.

By the time Meyer arrives at his office, the host has already met with writers and the showrunner to outline ideas for the day. Meyer then collaborates with producers and the showrunner, Jennifer Flanz, to discuss the visual elements needed to bring the show to life.

Meyer shared an example where Stewart wanted to use Stephen Miller masks, a reference to one of President Donald Trump’s closest advisers. The team embraced the idea, showcasing their creativity and flexibility.

Diverse Voices and Collaborative Process

Each host on “The Daily Show” brings their unique voice and perspective to the monologue, as do the writers. Meyer emphasized that this diversity is what has made the show great over the years.

The process of refining ideas involves a delicate balance of considering various opinions while maintaining the host's individuality. During morning meetings, the team reviews the news and discusses potential jokes and deeper conversations. They are not afraid to have disagreements, knowing they all share the same goal: to deliver the most biting, funny, and satirical commentary possible.

Meyer noted that the show's researcher and fact checker play a vital role in ensuring accuracy and pushing back on any incorrect takes.

Navigating a Politically Divided Climate

Meyer acknowledged that political division is evident in today's climate. He noted that the audience is not just passive consumers but actively engaged, expressing their views through online comments. This engagement is seen as a positive aspect for late-night programming.

Despite the challenges, Meyer and the Emmy-award winning crew focus on creating a quality show every day. They rely on tried-and-true principles, such as targeting power structures and using satire to critique them. This approach has been consistent for almost 30 years, even under different presidential administrations.

The Future of Late-Night Television

Stewart's comments on the cancellation of Colbert’s show drew attention to the broader implications for late-night television. He suggested that the decision might be more than just financial, hinting at larger corporate strategies. Colbert himself criticized the move, promising to be more outspoken in the coming months.

Meyer expressed admiration for Colbert, having watched “The Colbert Report” before he started hosting. He believes Colbert will continue to make an impact beyond his current role.

A Personal Connection with Trevor Noah

During a conversation with the Deseret News, Meyer reflected on his relationship with Trevor Noah. Their connection began in 2008 when Meyer was studying film at the University of Southern California. He was inspired by Stewart and pursued a thesis on stand-up comedy in South Africa, where he met Noah.

Meyer encouraged Noah to watch “The Daily Show,” and seven years later, when Noah became the host, he asked Meyer to join him. After Noah's departure in 2022, Stewart returned to host once a week.

Meyer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with both Stewart and Noah, noting that Stewart pushes the team to perform at their best.

As “The Daily Show” continues to evolve, it remains a powerful platform for satire and commentary, navigating the complexities of modern politics and entertainment.