The Daily Show’s ratings have just done something that the show has not experienced in a decade. The late-night talk show and news satire program first aired on Comedy Central in July 1996, and has become one of the most popular and longest-running late-night shows on U.S. television, turning host Jon Stewart into more of a household name than he already was.
Stewart departed the show in 2015, and his seat was then taken by South African-American comedian Trevor Noah, whose tenure ran until 2022. While Noah was lauded for the unique perspective he brought to the show,Stewart’s return toThe Daily Showin 2024 saw a ratings boost, and it looks like things are continuing in that vein.
PerDeadline,The Daily Showhas posted its highest viewership in a decade since long-running host Stewart departed in 2015. Interestingly, Nielsen data shows that the second quarter of 2025 was a decade high for the show since the third quarter of 2015 for 18-49-year-olds in live-+3 numbers.
This marks the continuation of strong numbers since Stewart returned to the show last year, with the share increasing from 2.9 in 2024 to 4.17 in 2025, as well as a 15% ratings increase. Monday nights - Stewart’s slot - are up a 43% share, and an 8% average ratings increase.
What This Means For The Daily Show’s Ratings Boom
Stewart Has Clearly Brought The Midas Touch With Him
It is no coincidence that Stewart’s return has seen a spike in viewership and ratings to levels close to what they were during his first tenure. While there is no doubt thatThe Daily Showremains one of the most iconic talk shows on U.S. television, there is little question that Stewart is a core part of the reason behind this.
The2025 Emmy nominations only having three late-night talk show nominations, thanks to fewer entries being submitted this year.Likewise, the era of the late-night talk show appears to be on its way out as they are replaced by podcasts. This is all the more reason forThe Daily Showto lean on the experience and personality of Stewart, and his status as an icon of late-night television.
Our Take On The Daily Show’s Ratings Spike
It Might Be Temporary, But As Long As Stewart Stays, The Show Should Thrive
SinceStewart’s return toThe Daily Show, the program’s spike in popularity has helped to keep it consistent, and the show continues to stand out as one of the benchmarks of late-night television. The spike might be a temporary one, but provided Stewart can stay as a prominent part ofThe Daily Show, there is cause for optimism.
While the power of late-night talk shows may be on the wane, icons like Stewart will continue to have a special power to elicit interest and engagement from viewers, and he will continue to have an enduring legacy as part ofThe Daily Show, and late-night talk shows as a whole.
The Daily Show
Cast
The Daily Show is a late-night talk and satirical news television program that offers a humorous perspective on current events, politics, and various social issues, often through a blend of scripted segments and guest interviews.
