At Monday evening’s Emmy Awards, Trevor Noah took the stage to accept the Emmy for variety/talk series for “The Daily Show.” However, it was Roy Wood Jr.’s discreet yet impactful message that garnered significant attention.
While standing behind Noah, who left Comedy Central’s news program in December 2022, Wood Jr. silently mouthed the words “Hire a host.” This subtle plea has sparked conversations about the future of “The Daily Show” since Noah’s departure.
Following Noah’s exit, the show experienced a series of rotating hosts, including “Daily Show” staff members like Jordan Klepper and Ronny Chieng, along with comedians Leslie Jones, Chelsea Handler, and Sarah Silverman.
Wood Jr., who announced his departure from the program in October after eight years, expressed in an NPR interview that if asked to return as the host of “The Daily Show,” he would seriously consider the opportunity.
The Emmy moment was not lost on Wood Jr., who later shared a clip of his on-stage plea on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), adding a touch of humor to the situation. Responding to a user’s keen observation, he wrote, “chill fam I was trying to do that on the low,” accompanied by laughing emojis.
Noah, in the Emmys press room, briefly teased the idea of returning to his “Daily Show” seat when asked about it. He expressed his willingness to work with the talented individuals associated with the show but humorously pointed out that his decision might depend on his schedule for the upcoming Wednesday.
Since leaving “The Daily Show,” Noah has remained active in the entertainment industry. He continues to perform stand-up on tour, and last month, he released his latest comedy special, “Where Was I,” on Netflix. Additionally, in November, he launched his podcast, “What Now? With Trevor Noah,” featuring an interview with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Wood Jr.’s subtle message at the Emmys has reignited discussions about the future trajectory of “The Daily Show” and the potential selection of a new host. Fans and industry insiders are now eagerly awaiting any developments that may emerge from Comedy Central regarding the show’s next chapter.
In the dynamic landscape of late-night television, the choice of a host can significantly impact a program’s success. As the conversation continues, speculation about who might step into the iconic hosting role on “The Daily Show” remains a topic of interest among viewers and comedy enthusiasts alike.