Who was before Trevor?

Before Trevor Noah took over The Daily Show in 2015, the late night satirical news show had been hosted by two other comedians who each left their own mark. The original Daily Show host was Craig Kilborn, who launched the show in 1996 and set the stage for future success.

Kilborn had served as a popular anchor on ESPN‘s SportsCenter in the 1990s. With his quick wit and sarcasm, many saw potential for Kilborn to host a late night talk show. Comedy Central tapped him to helm their new satirical news program, which was meant to parody broadcasts like CNN‘s The World Today.

Kilborn Established the Show‘s Snarky Tone

Over his three year run, Craig Kilborn quickly shaped the emerging format of The Daily Show and established its signature snarky tone. The show opened with Kilborn presenting fake news headlines and goofy graphics behind an anchor desk. Kilborn would then transition to irreverent and comedic commentary on the day‘s stories.

Reoccurring segments like "Five Questions" featured Kilborn interviewing and mocking various newsmakers and celebrities. His sarcastic, biting interview style set the standard for Daily Show hosts to come.

Kilborn Ratings and Critical Response

Though never a huge ratings smash, The Daily Show built a loyal following under Kilborn. Viewership increased 60% between the first and second seasons. By 1998, the show was drawing over 100 million viewers monthly.

Reviews of Kilborn‘s performance were mixed. Some praised his deadpan humor and skills as a comedic interviewer. Others criticized him as mean-spirited and lacking depth in his commentary. But he undoubtedly put The Daily Show on the map and fueled further interest in comedy news programs.

Departure From The Daily Show and Post-Hosting Career

In 1998, Craig Kilborn chose to leave The Daily Show to replace Tom Snyder as host of CBS‘s The Late Late Show. This represented a major jump to a larger network and popular late night slot.

Kilborn hosted The Late Late Show for five years until stepping down in 2004. His time on CBS was moderately successful but paled in comparison to competitors like David Letterman and Conan O‘Brien. Kilborn has made occasional acting and hosting appearances since but has never regained the same profile.

Still, by launching The Daily Show, Kilborn‘s legacy is cemented in comedy history. He set the snarky tone and built the foundation that allowed the show to thrive under future hosts.

In January 1999, following Kilborn‘s exit, comedian Jon Stewart stepped in to take over hosting duties. After a rocky first year, Stewart soon found his footing and evolved The Daily Show into a cultural phenomenon over his 16 year run.

Stewart Shifted the Focus to Politics and the Media

Early on, Stewart adjusted the balance of The Daily Show to spend less time on Hollywood gossip and more on political and media critique. He expanded field segments like "This Week in God" to satirize issues like religious extremism. The 2000 election between Bush and Gore gave Stewart ample opportunity to mock the political theater of campaigns and news coverage.

As Stewart centered the show around politics and current events, the timing aligned perfectly with major events like 9/11, the Iraq War, and the 2008 election. The Daily Show became the place viewers turned to for cathartic comic relief in trying times.

Ratings and Popularity Explosion

Jon Stewart took The Daily Show to new heights of popularity, recognition, and prestige:

• Average viewership increased over 250% during Stewart‘s tenure, peaking at over 2 million nightly viewers in 2013.

• The show won 20 Primetime Emmy Awards, including 10 straight Emmys for Outstanding Variety Series (2003-2012).

• Stewart himself was voted America‘s most trusted newscaster in a 2007 Pew Research poll.

• Prominent politicians and thinkers frequently appeared on or were interviewed by the show during Stewart‘s era.

Stewart‘s Departure Left Big Shoes to Fill

In February 2015, Jon Stewart shocked fans by announcing he would retire as host of The Daily Show later that year. Stewart had become synonymous with the show over 16 years at the helm. His incisive commentary and comedic talents helped The Daily Show achieve mainstream relevance.

Many questioned whether The Daily Show could maintain its prominence after losing Stewart. But he left the show in good shape – as one of the most buzzworthy brands in comedy with over 1.5 million devoted viewers. The search was on to find a worthy replacement host.

After a months long search, Comedy Central announced South African comedian Trevor Noah as Jon Stewart‘s replacement in March 2015. Despite his inexperience, Noah settled into the hosting role smoothly and carried forward The Daily Show‘s legacy.

Noah Had Big Shoes to Fill

Trevor Noah faced major pressure stepping in for Stewart. Though a rising comedy star, Noah was still relatively unknown. He had joined The Daily Show as a correspondent only months before being tapped as the new host.

But Comedy Central executives were impressed by Noah‘s versatility and global perspective. They saw potential for him to continue engaging young and diverse audiences.

It was undoubtedly a tall task to follow Jon Stewart‘s lengthy and celebrated run. But Noah brought a distinct perspective and quickly made the role his own.

Noah Put His Own Spin on The Daily Show

While respecting its conventions, Trevor Noah did make certain stylistic changes:

• He opened up the show with more personal monologues, weaving in experiences from his upbringing in South Africa.

• Global news was covered more regularly as an area of interest for Noah.

• Interviews retained humor but grew more conversational in tone.

• Field segments expanded beyond just political satire and commentary.

While ratings eventually declined, as with all late night shows, Noah won praise for smoothly transitioning The Daily Show into a new era. He brought millennial and multicultural appeal while still engaging the core fanbase.

Key Trevor Noah Era Facts and Figures

• Average viewership declined to around 1 million during Noah‘s tenure

• The show won 5 Emmy Awards between 2015-2020

• Over 100 billion total online video views accumulated across platforms

• Interview guests ranged from politicians like President Obama to celebrities like Bruce Springsteen

In September 2022, after 7 years of hosting, Trevor Noah announced he would also conclude his run. Once again, Comedy Central had the challenge of finding a worthy replacement.

With Trevor Noah‘s departure, The Daily Show entered its fourth era. Filling the host spot has only gotten more difficult given the show‘s long legacy.

Comedy Central is taking time to name the next permanent host. In the interim, they have lined up a series of buzzy guest hosts like Hasan Minhaj, Kal Penn, and Wanda Sykes. Each brings their own unique comedic stylings.

Potential candidates for the permanent role range from Daily Show veterans like Roy Wood Jr. to rising alternative comics like Ziwe or Julio Torres. Speculation continues, but Comedy Central insists they are committed to keeping The Daily Show relevant for new generations of viewers.

Key Criteria for the Next Daily Show Host

Based on the show‘s 25+ year history, here are some of the criteria I expect Comedy Central to weigh in choosing the next host:

• A unique comedic voice and performing style that can stand apart from other late night hosts. They can‘t just mimic Stewart or Noah.

• Substantive interest in politics, media criticism, and current events. The show has been built on sharp commentary of the top headlines.

• Appeal to young and diverse viewers online and across social media. This may mean stepping away from just another straight white male host.

• Proven background in political comedy and satire across other formats and programs. Hosting The Daily Show isn‘t an entry level job.

• Chemistry and camaraderie with the show‘s correspondent team. The host can‘t dominate every minute and needs to integrate The Daily Show ensemble.

The Next Host Has a High Bar to Meet

Whoever takes over hosting The Daily Show next has incredibly big shoes to fill. Jon Stewart and Trevor Noah both made immense impacts during their tenure.

But throughout changes in host, the show has retained its irreverent take on politics and news media for over 25 years now. I‘m confident that with the right pick, The Daily Show can continue thriving in this important role for many more years to come. The next host may not make quite the cultural waves as Stewart, but they can still offer valuable satire and commentary in a fraught world.