Jon Stewart Returns to HBO to Headline First Stand-Up Special in 21 Years
Jon Stewart is officially back at HBO!
The 54-year-old comedian will headline his first stand-up special in 21 years, the cable company announced on Wednesday during its Television Critics Association summer press tour.
The stand-up special will be Stewart's first since the 1996 HBO presentation Jon Stewart: Unleavened. A date and location for the event will be announced as they are confirmed.
Additionally, the former Daily Show host will also emcee Night of Too Many Stars, a star-studded benefit for NEXT For AUTISM, which will air live from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, Nov. 18. The special, created by comedy writer and performer Robert Smigel to support autism schools, programs and services, will include stand-up performances, sketches and short films.
HBO Programming President Casey Bloys told audiences on Wednesday, "We have a larger overall deal with [Stewart]. These stand-up specials are part of that larger deal," adding that they are a "relatively low-cost way to be in the conversation."
"I’m really thrilled to be able to return to stand-up on HBO," Stewart added in a statement. "They've always set the standard for great stand-up specials. Plus, I can finally use up the last of the Saddam Hussein jokes left over from my first special."
Stewart was the critically acclaimed host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show With Jon Stewart from 1999 until 2015. During his time on the show, the series received 23 Emmys and two Peabody Awards. Since his departure, he's had a handful of guest appearances on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
See one of their reunions in the video below.
Additional reporting by Philiana Ng.