For decades, Jon Stewart has been the face of sharp, fearless satire on late-night TV, shepherding The Daily Show through cultural shifts, political storms, and more than one network shakeup. But even Stewart, a comedy legend known for his confidence, is admitting to some real anxiety about what comes next for his own show—especially as the late-night landscape faces seismic changes.

On the July 17 episode of his podcast, Stewart candidly addressed the growing uncertainty surrounding The Daily Show’s future, just hours before the bombshell news broke that CBS is canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after ten seasons. The move, which CBS insists is “purely a financial decision,” has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and left fans—and hosts—wondering who might be next.

A Night of Surprises

The timing couldn’t have been more dramatic. Stewart’s comments about his own show’s fate came just before Colbert, a longtime friend and fellow satirist, revealed to his studio audience that The Late Show would end next year. The announcement followed days of speculation, as Colbert had recently called out CBS parent company Paramount for a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump—a move that had already raised eyebrows in media circles.

CBS, for its part, was quick to clarify: “The Late Show’s cancellation is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night and not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount,” the network said in a statement. The show, after all, has been #1 in late night for nine straight seasons and remains a staple of the national conversation.

Stewart: “We Haven’t Heard Anything”

But if Stewart was hoping for reassurance from The Daily Show’s parent company, he hasn’t gotten it. Asked on his podcast about what the future holds if the Paramount-Skydance merger goes through, Stewart was frank: “Boy, that’s a good question. Unfortunately, we haven’t heard anything from them. They haven’t called me and said like, ‘Don’t get too comfortable in that office, Stewart!’”

He tried to keep things light, joking, “I’ve been kicked out of s—— establishments than that. We’ll land on our feet.” But the underlying uncertainty was clear.

On a more serious note, Stewart admitted, “Honestly, I don’t know what the show’s fate will be. I’d like to believe that… Like, without The Daily Show, Comedy Central is kind of like muzak at this point. I think we’re the only sort of life that exists on a current basis other than South Park.”

He continued, “I’d like to think we bring enough value to the channel, but that may not be their consideration. I just don’t know.”

The Paramount-Skydance Merger Looms

The backdrop for all this uncertainty is the ongoing merger between Paramount and Skydance Media, which still requires approval from the Trump administration. The merger has already prompted industry-wide speculation about the future of Paramount’s properties, including Comedy Central and its flagship programs.

The late-night world, always competitive, is now feeling the squeeze from both financial pressures and shifting viewer habits. As streaming platforms and social media increasingly dominate how audiences consume comedy and news, even the most successful shows are finding it harder to justify their costs.

Colbert’s Final Bow

Colbert’s cancellation has been especially jarring for fans and fellow hosts alike. The Late Show has long been a ratings juggernaut, with Colbert’s blend of political satire and celebrity interviews making it a must-watch for millions. CBS’s statement about the show’s end was effusive, praising Colbert and his team for “taking CBS late night by storm with cutting-edge comedy, a must-watch monologue and interviews with leaders in entertainment, politics, news and newsmakers across all areas.”

“Our admiration, affection, and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonizing decision even more difficult,” the statement read.

The network also seemed to anticipate speculation about the reasons behind the move, emphasizing that the cancellation had nothing to do with the show’s content or performance, but was simply the result of a “challenging backdrop in late night.”

Fear and Frustration in the Industry

Stewart’s podcast also featured a timely conversation with former 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft, who reflected on the atmosphere at the iconic news program following the Trump settlement. “I think there’s a lot of fear,” Kroft said. “Fear of losing their job, fear of what’s happening to the country, fear of losing the First Amendment. All of those things.”

Kroft didn’t mince words, calling the settlement a “shakedown” and noting that “some people call it extortion.” The sense of unease is palpable—not just among on-air talent, but throughout the industry.

The Value of Satire

For Stewart, the question is not just about job security, but about the role of satire in a changing media landscape. The Daily Show has long served as a cultural touchstone, offering pointed commentary on politics and society while also giving viewers a much-needed laugh.

Stewart’s hope is that the value of that perspective isn’t lost in the shuffle of corporate mergers and cost-cutting. “Without The Daily Show, Comedy Central is kind of like muzak at this point,” he quipped, underscoring the show’s unique place in the lineup.

What’s Next for Late Night?

As the dust settles from Colbert’s announcement, the future of late-night TV is more uncertain than ever. Jimmy Kimmel, another late-night stalwart, didn’t hold back his own feelings, tweeting, “F— you CBS” in reaction to the news. The sentiment echoes the frustration and anxiety rippling through the industry.

For now, Stewart says he and his team are focused on doing what they do best: making people think, laugh, and question the world around them. Whether that will be enough to secure The Daily Show’s future remains to be seen.

Keeping the Faith—and the Laughter

If there’s one thing Stewart and Colbert have taught their audiences, it’s that humor can be a powerful tool for resilience. As Stewart put it, “We’ll land on our feet.” But for millions of fans, the hope is that both he and his show will stick around for a long time to come.