In the time since he left THE DAILY SHOW, Jon Stewart has been transitioning into his “mountain man who chops wood and tends to sheep all day” phase, spending more time doing the things he cares about and less being the star of the show, so to speak. His TV appearances don't go beyond fun cameos it seems he’s ready to step back into the spotlight in a big way with a triumphant return to stand-up with two new HBO specials. His beard will act as his opening act.
The announcement was made by HBO president of programming Casey Bloys at the Television Critics Association press tour that Stewart would be doing his first televised stand-up special in 21 years with the network. His last special, JON STEWART: UNLEAVENED, aired on HBO back in 1996. The dates and venues for the specials were not announced, and Stewart made a statement regarding the specials, poking fun at his prolonged absence:
I’m really thrilled to be able to return to stand-up on HBO. 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.
Like many, I was a huge fan of Stewart on THE DAILY SHOW and have missed his brand of wry humor, compassion and no-nonsense wisdom dearly. Though he used his political comedy to humorously call-out actions and behaviors from folks on the right side of the aisle, he was also known for calling bullshit on the left side as well, and I can’t wait to hear his thoughts on a wide ranging series of topics across the political spectrum. That, or he just has an hour of material on what it’s like to not shave anymore.