Who Is Josh Johnson? 'The Daily Show' Gets New Host, Fueling Theory of Jon Stewart's 'Last Week' On Show

On Tuesday night, The Daily Show is set to mark the hosting debut of Josh Johnson. He'll be joining the rotation of anchors on the award-winning news comedy show, which propelled Jon Stewart to fame. Johnson has been a writer on the show since 2017, and has been an onscreen presence since 2024.

His addition to the cast represents a new wave of comedians that could win fans with beyond traditional means. Even as a fresh face, he has a healthy following online, possibly bringing internet fame into the mix for late nights.

However, late night shows have been undergoing an upheaval as of late with Stephen Colbert's firing. Could Josh Johnson's debut translate into Jon Stewart's departure? Here's what we know about the matter.

About Josh Johnson

Staff writer, correspondent, and now host, Josh Johnson is set to appear behind the desk from Tuesday to Thursday. He's recognised for his no-holds barred takes on Trump, making his stand-up potential apparent.

One of his prominent segments included him confronting Black voters with Trump's tone-deaf comments on race just last year. Now, with Trump in office, he's been tapped to make rips on the president for his bipolar tariff slapping.

It's fair to expect that he's one of Jon Stewart's next disciples. He'll be fanning the flames for anti-Trump sentiment much sooner than later.

Is Jon Stewart Bowing Out Soon?

There has been mounting speculation that Jon Stewart might not be far behind his colleague, Stephen Colbert. He's shared his uncertainty on whether or not The Daily Show will survive Paramount's merger with Skydance.

This union is notable due to Paramount's willingness to settle with President Trump over his 60 Minutes lawsuit. Colbert called the company out for what he thought it was–a 'big fat bribe.'

Similarly, Stewart was straightforward about his opinion on the matter. During a show on 8 July, he said 'I'm obviously not a lawyer, but I did watch Goodfellas. That sounds illegal.' For context, this was directed towards the $16 million settlement to appease Trump over the 60 Minutes edit of Kamala Harris' interview in 2024.

All eyes were on The Daily Show earlier today as audiences waited for Stewart to break his silence.

Monday Night Show Fallout

This Monday's episode was a little bit of everything, some drama, a musical, and 'witticism.' Notably, the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert did not go quietly in the night.

In a now viral clip, Colbert spoke of his defiance while directing a message to the President. For reference, Trump gleefully posted about Colbert's firing, citing 'lack of talent.' Colbert responded, saying 'Go f*ck yourself.'

The Monday night episode also revealed everyone showing support for Colbert. This included Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, Jon Stewart, Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, and Robert Smigel.

Most of Colbert's defense came from Jon Stewart, where he delivered a monologue that humorously shed light on the Epstein saga. And then, he delivered a sermon on how Colbert helped launch The Daily Show.

In Stewart's finale, a musical number was dedicated to institutions who refuse to fight back. It was delivered in preacher-like righteousness, echoing Colbert's viral line to President Trump.