Roy Wood Jr. is leaving “The Daily Show ”as search for new host continues

The Daily Show is losing one of its key correspondents.

Roy Wood Jr. has announced that he is departing the late-night show after eight years because he has not been tapped to serve as its permanent host and wants to figure out his next move. The series' news desk has remained open since former host Trevor Noah left in January, with several guests filling in for the remainder of its most recent season, including Leslie Jones, Chelsea Handler, John Leguizamo, and Wood.

"I can't come up with plan B while still working with plan A," Wood told NPR, adding that he had yet to tell the show of his decision. "The job of correspondent… it's not really one where you can juggle multiple things. [And] I think eight years is a good run."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Comedy Central Roy Wood Jr. on 'The Daily Show'

The Daily Show is set to return with a fresh lineup of guest hosts on Oct. 16 and plans to crown a new emcee in 2024. Wood said he isn't interested in watching the series find someone else for the gig while he's working as a correspondent but if the network were interested in his taking over the reins, he'd mull over the opportunity.

"If you're offered the chance to host The Daily Show at any point in your life... you have to stop for a second and consider that," he said. "The next question becomes: 'What does The Daily Show look like in 2024? And what does late night look like in 2024?'"

Last month, Variety reported that Paramount Global was still exploring options for Noah's replacement after suspected front-runner Hasan Minhaj recently came under fire for saying he had exaggerated several stories from his stand-up routines. Wood said the story led him to reflect on his place on the show and that he thinks Minhaj would be a great host: "I think Hasan checks a lot of boxes that the network would want and people would want. Hasan's young, he's global, and he has the political I.Q."

In a statement to EW, a spokesperson for The Daily Show said, "Roy Wood Jr. is a comedic genius and beloved teammate. His insights and hilarity helped us make sense of the 2016 election, the pandemic, and countless hours of Fox News. We thank him for his time with us and can't wait to see what he does next."

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