Hasan Minhaj, the former correspondent on The Daily Show and host of Netflix’s Patriot Act, is reportedly no longer in the running to become the next host of The Daily Show. According to reports, Minhaj was informed by Paramount Global, the parent company of The Daily Show, that he would not be getting the coveted hosting gig.
Controversy Surrounding Minhaj
The news comes after Minhaj found himself at the center of controversy following a New Yorker exposé that accused him of embellishing elements of his stand-up act. The article claimed that Minhaj had embellished various stories he had told in his stand-up specials regarding his personal experiences with Islamophobia.
Minhaj’s Response
In response to the controversy, Minhaj argued that his comedy is built around a seed of truth, with elements of hyperbole, exaggeration, and fiction. He stated that the emotional truth is the primary focus of his comedy, with the factual truth being secondary.
The Impact on The Daily Show
The controversy surrounding Minhaj led The Daily Show to go back to square one in its search for a new host. The show has been relying on guest hosts to fill the void left by Trevor Noah since his departure last year. However, longtime correspondent Roy Wood Jr. recently announced that he would be leaving the show after eight years, leading some to believe he was also passed over for the full-time hosting gig.
The Future of The Daily Show
Comedy Central has announced that it will name a full-time replacement for Trevor Noah sometime in 2024. The network’s search for a new host has been complicated by the departure of Roy Wood Jr. and the controversy surrounding Hasan Minhaj. It remains to be seen who will ultimately take over the desk at The Daily Show.
Other Potential Hosts
With Minhaj out of the running, there are several other potential candidates who could be considered for the role. Roy Wood Jr., who was a fan-favorite guest host during the most recent run, has been suggested as a strong contender. Desi Lydic, another guest host, has also been praised for her hosting abilities.
Lewis Black, known for his angry rants, has been mentioned as a potential host as well. However, some have expressed concerns about his high-energy style and the potential toll it could take on his health.
The Daily Show’s Future Direction
As The Daily Show looks to the future, there are questions about what the show will look like in 2024 and what late-night television as a whole will look like. The landscape of late-night comedy has been evolving, and The Daily Show will need to adapt to stay relevant.
Conclusion
While Hasan Minhaj was once considered a front-runner for the hosting gig on The Daily Show, it appears that he is officially out of the running. The controversy surrounding his stand-up act and the departure of longtime correspondent Roy Wood Jr. have complicated the search for a new host. As Comedy Central continues its search, fans of The Daily Show eagerly await the announcement of who will take over the desk in 2024.