Jon Stewart Sets Stand Up Special at HBO
Jon Stewart will return to stand up comedy in a special for HBO, the former “Daily Show” host’s first such special in over 20 years, it was announced Wednesday at the TCA summer press tour.
“I’m really thrilled to be able to return to stand-up on HBO,” Stewart said. ”They’ve always set the standard for great stand-up specials. Plus, I can finally use up the last of the Saddam Hussein jokes left over from my first special.”
Stewart’s last stand up special, “Jon Stewart: Unleavened,” aired on HBO in 1996. Additionally, this fall Stewart will host the latest “Night of Too Many Stars” all-star benefit for NEXT For Autism to be presented live from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Nov. 18.
The second special will feature stand-up performances, sketches and short films. The comedy event was created by comedy writer and performer Robert Smigel to support autism schools, programs and services. NEXT for Autism (formerly New York Collaborates for Autism) is a non-profit organization that strategically designs, launches and supports innovative programs to improve the lives of people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“We’re excited to bring Jon to the network with this pair of specials,” said HBO Programming head Casey Bloys. “We’ve all missed his uniquely thoughtful brand of humor. We’re excited to bring Jon to the network with this pair of specials. We’ve all missed his uniquely thoughtful brand of humor.”
Stewart is under a four-year production deal with HBO, which he signed in 2015 shortly after signing off “The Daily Show.” He initially planned to produce a short-form digital animation project for the network, but those plans were scrapped in May. HBO said at that time it would continue to pursue other projects with Stewart.
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