Jon Stewart reveals the tensions with Apple that led to the cancellation of his current affairs show, exposing the conflicts between corporate interests and independent journalism.
- Jun 16, 2024
AceShowbiz - Jon Stewart, the fiery and unrestrained voice in contemporary American satire, recently divulged the reasons behind the untimely end of his Apple TV+ show "The Problem with Jon Stewart." Despite the show's critical acclaim and a fervent fanbase, Stewart's candid critiques and the tech giant's corporate interests couldn't coexist peacefully.
Stewart opened up about the issue on The Town podcast, underscoring that the cancellation wasn't about censorship or free speech, but rather about clashing priorities. "When you work for a corporate entity, that's part of the deal, even at Comedy Central. The deal is I get to do what I want until it's going to hurt their beer sales or whatever it is they want to sell. And that's the deal we all make," he explained.
The friction became palpable during an interview with economist Larry Summers. Summers bluntly asked Stewart if he thought "Apple was somehow gouging, or doing something wrong." Stewart's instinctive reply, "Yes, of course!" reportedly caused discomfort among Apple executives.
As Stewart recollected, "We play the interview for the audience, they explode like we just hit a three-pointer at the buzzer. The show ends, we go downstairs in full Rudy mode. The Apple executives walk into the dressing room afterwards with a look on their face and I was like, 'Oh my God, did the factory explode, what happened?' "
This disconnect highlighted for Stewart that his purpose and Apple's agenda were fundamentally misaligned. "We're trying to make the best most insightful execution of the intention that we can make, but they're protecting a different agenda. And that's when I knew we were in trouble."
Despite the show's end, Stewart bears no grudges against Apple. He rationalized the cancellation within the broader context of corporate caution, "There's a mantra we all have to remember: Corporations are pussies. They are now, and they always have been. They're not looking to cause problems."
Drawing from his Comedy Central days, he noted that content companies tend to avoid controversies that could risk their business interests. "Comedy Central's brand was provocation, to some extent. And so that was for the most part positive for them. Most content companies don't want that smoke."
Post-cancellation, Stewart has reclaimed his old spot at The Daily Show, with memorable episodes that included an interview with Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan - an opportunity he claims Apple asked him to forgo on his Apple TV+ show. As The New York Times reported, Apple's concerns over Stewart's content, particularly regarding sensitive topics like China and AI, contributed to the show's cancellation.
The saga of "The Problem with Jon Stewart" proves that even the most dynamic and influential voices in media can struggle against the tightening grip of corporate interests. As Stewart himself noted, "Corporations are pussies," a stark reminder that pushing boundaries often comes at a price.
Stewart's episodes continue to air on "The Daily Show," bringing his signature mix of insight and irreverence. Meanwhile, "The Problem with Jon Stewart" remains available for streaming on Apple TV+, serving as a testament to the challenging balance between corporate objectives and unbridled truth-telling.
