Jon Stewart: ‘Why I Quit The Daily Show’ Explained, Stephen Colbert Asked If He’ll Take Over

When The Daily Show announced the retirement of Jon Stewart, why he quit the show was never explained to the audience’s satisfaction. Now, Stewart is explaining his motive for dropping out after so many years, and George Lucas even asked Stephen Colbert if he would step up the plate.

In a related report by the Inquisitr, Jon Stewart slammed the state of Kansas as the true “welfare queen.”

Jon Stewart’s decision to quit the “most perfect job in the world” after 16 years of playing as the comedic host left many fans astounded. It turns out he did not feel the ship was sinking or anything like that, he simply lost the desire to head up The Daily Show.

“It’s not like I thought the show wasn’t working any more, or that I didn’t know how to do it. It was more, ‘Yup, it’s working. But I’m not getting the same satisfaction,'” he said, explaining why he quit to the Guardian. “These things are cyclical. You have moments of dissatisfaction, and then you come out of it and it’s OK. But the cycles become longer and maybe more entrenched, and that’s when you realise, ‘OK, I’m on the back side of it now.'”

Stewart also admits the upcoming 2016 presidential election fueled part of his decision since he says it does not appear there is going to be “anything wildly different about about this one.” He also explained what he wanted to do after he quit The Daily Show.

“I would do what I’m doing. Whether it’s standup, the show, books or films, I consider all this just different vehicles to continue a conversation about what it means to be a democratic nation, and to have it written into the constitution that all men are created equal – but to live with that for 100 years with slaves. How do those contradictions play themselves out? And how do we honestly assess our failings and move forward with integrity?”

The reasons for his leaving were filled with humor. Asked if he may watch Fox News after he leaves, the comedian said that would only occur if it was a “nuclear winter and it might help my family.”

He also opines, “If Oprah can leave and the world still spins, I honestly think it will survive me.”

But who will follow up Jon Stewart? There have been rumors that Trevor Noah could slip into the funny business easily enough, but George Lucas seems to think Stephen Colbert would be a better fit as host. According to Deadline, Colbert admits he doesn’t want to wear Stewart’s former crown.

“He is a very funny guy. I don’t want to be the guy who takes over for Jon Stewart. I’ve worked with him, and my memories of him is that he’s the keenest, most intelligent, most beautifully deconstructive mind — the clearest thinker I ever worked for. I would never get underneath his shadow. Someone else who doesn’t love him as much might have a better time on that show than I ever would.”

What do you think about Jon Stewart’s explanation for why he quit?