‘Daily Show’ Pursued Louis CK, Amy Poehler, Amy Schumer Before Hiring Trevor Noah

It’s been alleged that The Daily Show pursued Louis C.K., Amy Poehler, and Amy Schumer before they hired Trevor Noah as Jon Stewart’s successor.

This news has come via Grantland’s Bill Simmons, who took to Twitter to make the allegations.

Heard Comedy Central pursued 3 big-ass names for Daily Show: Poehler, Louis CK, Schumer. Went 0 for 3. Young/cheap/upside was smart audible.

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) March 30, 2015

Simmons also has an explanation for why the Parks & Recreation, Louie, and Inside Amy Schumer stars each turned the opportunity down.

PS: I don’t think Poehler or CK was realistic, but had CC caught Schumer a year earlier – very realistic. Now she knows she can make movies. — Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) March 30, 2015

It was always going to be a long shot that Comedy Central would land any of these comedians. Louis C.K. has turned himself into one of the most coveted stand-ups in the world thanks to his variety of specials over the last decade, while his FX show, Louie, is one of the most innovative and adored programs on television.

Amy Poehler has spent the most of her career in television. She previously used to host Saturday Night Live‘s Weekend Update, while she has spent the last seven season’s portraying Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation, which only came to an end in February.

Amy Schumer has turned into one of Comedy Central’s most popular actresses and comedians thanks to her involvement in Inside Amy Schumer, while she is destined to blossom into one of Hollywood’s new leading stars after her appearance in this summer’s Trainwreck.

While speaking to the New York Times, the Comedy Central president, Michele Ganeless, admitted that they’d talked to a variety of candidates before they selected Trevor Noah, who has only made three appearances on The Daily Show.

“We talked to women. We talked to me. We found in Trevor the best person for the job,” Ms. Ganeless admitted. “You don’t hope to fund the next Jon Stewart — there is no next Jon Stewart. So, our goal was to find someone who brings something really exciting and new and different.”

Meanwhile, Schumer has already taken to Twitter to show her support for the recently appointed Noah, and even welcomed him to Comedy Central.

Congrats @Trevornoah you will be amazing! We are so lucky to have you!

— Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) March 30, 2015

Meanwhile, there has also been a mixed response to Trevor Noah’s appointment, while some have criticized a variety of his past Twitter messages.

[Images via ComicBookResources/IMDB/Ace Showbiz]