Part 6/9:
In contrast, Uncle Casey highlights how John Stewart's return has revitalized The Daily Show, hitting a 10-year high in ratings during the second quarter of 2025, and increasing viewership by a substantial 43% when he took over. Although Stewart's current viewership (~550,000 viewers) may seem modest, it's vital to appreciate the context: he's largely rescuing an entire network deprived of popular, balanced comedy.
Similarly, Greg Gutfeld's impressive average of 3.3 million viewers on Fox News marks a stark difference from the struggling broadcast late-night shows. Gutfeld's success, despite political differences, exemplifies that the format can work when led by charismatic, balanced, and authentic hosts.