I’m waiting for the drama they’ll create for Stewart’s return. But in the meantime I don’t see any reason Oliver can’t hold his own. They share much of the same style already so the writers shouldn’t have to change much.
Doesn’t the Onion News Network already do this (make excuses for a supposedly absent anchor)? TDS may be reluctant to steal someone else’s bit; I know I wouldn’t endorse using another news parody show’s bit like that.
ETA: I am work right now and can’t watch videos during shows, so I can’t check my recollection atm.
Thanks for a reasonable response to what I said.
Yes, I know the reading the lines written for you is hard. That’s why I called the guy good. Yes, I know the John Oliver is part of the writing staff, but that hasn’t changed, so my statement is correct–save for Stewart himself. But the point is, if it’s this much the same, then Jon doesn’t contribute as much as we thought.
But mostly, my point was just that people above me were making comments about him being “smart” or showing “craft,” comments about the writing, not the host. He did a good job as the host. The writing didn’t change, so there’s no point in praising it.
The writing has shifted to favor John Oliver’s particular personality over Jon Stewart’s. I don’t think they wrote a bunch of scripts in advance for Stewart, and then just got Oliver to say them. Something has adapted. That’s what is being praised.
They also have the “reporters” going in force to support him/prop up the show, just in case, which is nice. I don’t think that will continue all summer.
Lewis Black pauses his rant, looks over at John. “Who the fuck are you???” 
Maybe I’m trying too hard to hear differences in the writing but I thought some of the Snowden discussion sounded different from the way Jon Stewart would have done it. Also, Mavis Staples covering Funkadelic.
I know - right?! Loved the guitar and bass work in her band.
Oliver continues to impress - I notice he did the “put finger to ear to signify fake producer-voice-in” bit - nice.
Oliver is doing fine. The audiences need to settle down, as they’re so eager to give him approval that they end up stomping all over his punchlines.
I think Oliver is doing really well. Like it was mentioned up thread, I’m not a big fan of the fake “field reporter” bits either. And I too would like to see how he handles interviews with political guests. Could Oliver hold his own against O’Reilly? I don’t know, but I think it’d make for good TV.
Also, if Oliver continues to carry his weight, do you think there’s any chance in the future for a Stewart/Colbert/Oliver trifecta Monday - Thursday?
I actually preferred him to the last season or two of Stewart. Stewart’s gotten far too ranty over the last year. I think his stepping away and pursing a new project for a while is a great idea, if somewhat overdue.
I don’t mind it when he rants, except when he rants while ignoring all the facts. Too reminiscent of Fox when he does that. But you’re right: he’s doing too much of it to try to show that he can take either side of the political aisle.
I keep expecting “…this is the Daily Show with John Stewart without John Stewart” in the intro voiceover.
I haven’t seen ONN in a long time, so I’m not sure. I was thinking of Anchorman. I wouldn’t assume they’re aware of ONN’s joke. I know they used to have some key writers who were former Onion staffers but I am pretty sure that’s not the case anymore.
Yeah, I think that’ll be the test.
The great thing about Jon Stewart is that you get a sense of genuine principle behind many of his routines, and an acknowledgement that little things like our civil liberties actually do matter. He’s funny, sure, but he also shows an intelligent engagement with serious issues, and treats politics as more than just an easy source of cheap jokes.
He brings that attitude to the more heavyweight interviews too, often pressing an awkward point beyond the interviewee’s comfort zone to great effect. It remains to be seen whether John Oliver can do that or not.
My money’s on “not”, but maybe he’ll surprise me.
I really hope that Stewart will keep finding other projects. Oliver was a better host, and the content has been funnier too. Nothing against Stewart, but anything will get old after 10 years, or however long I’ve been watching it.
Jon Stewart has been offered a late-night talk show on the major networks, I think more than once. But last year, he renewed his Comedy Central contract into 2015. As of now, he’s not going anywhere.
Oliver is a working class lad with two Liverpool teachers as parents: by definition then, this is not someone without a crystal clear grasp of his political and moral compass. To reinforce that Armando Iannucci did him a big favour - and Armando Iannucci gets as many phone calls answered as Ricky Gervais.
He may be pragmatic and possibly quite subtle, but I wouldn’t doubt his social and political leanings.
YaY! Thanks for the link. I saw a little of his standup before and really liked it. I’m going to check out a podcast or two.
I think he’s doing a good job so far. He and Louis Black were good in their small back and forth.
I remember that Oliver was extremely useful during the writer’s strike because at the time he wasn’t a member of the writer’s union and thus was able to work on the show. No idea if he’s joined since then (I’m assuming you don’t have to be a citizen to join; most guilds will gladly take the money of a well paid professional regardless of their nationality, I would think).