Two Indian Americans Potential New Hosts For ‘The Daily Show’
India-West News Desk
LOS ANGELES, CA – The search for a new host for Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” is in full swing, and two Indian American comedians have emerged as top contenders. Hasan Minhaj, a multi-talented comedian, actor, writer, and producer, and Kal Penn, a former guest host, are both in consideration for the coveted position left vacant by Trevor Noah’s departure late last year.
According to Variety magazine, Hasan Minhaj is currently the leading candidate for the role, although nothing is set in stone. The 37-year-old comedian, known for his wit and incisive humor, previously worked as a correspondent on “The Daily Show” from 2014 to 2018. During his guest-hosting stint from February 27 to March 2, he drew an average of 602,000 viewers, making a strong impression on Comedy Central executives.
In a recent interview with Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, Minhaj expressed his openness to the idea of hosting the show permanently. However, he acknowledged that this decision would entail significant considerations given the impact it would have on his personal life and family. “It’s an all-encompassing, all-consuming thing,” Minhaj remarked about the responsibilities of being the show’s host.
Kal Penn, who also had a brief stint as a guest host from March 13 to March 16, is another leading candidate being seriously considered. The actor and comedian’s performance during his hosting gig garnered positive feedback, further adding to the competition for the hosting spot.
Since Trevor Noah’s departure in December 2022, “The Daily Show” has been experimenting with various guest hosts, including celebrities like Sarah Silverman, Leslie Jones, and Al Franken. The rotating hosts provided a fresh perspective and contributed to a significant ratings boost of 21 percent from January to mid-April 2023 compared to the same period the previous year.
Comedy Central’s decision-makers are taking their time to find the perfect fit for the iconic late-night show. Fans and industry insiders eagerly await the announcement of the new host, whose role will involve navigating the world of current affairs and delivering insightful, humorous commentary to viewers.
While the selection process is ongoing, the potential appointment of Hasan Minhaj or Kal Penn would not only bring diverse voices to the forefront of comedy but also continue the show’s legacy of influential and impactful satire. With both candidates possessing a wealth of talent and charisma, the future of “The Daily Show” looks promising, no matter who ultimately lands the gig.
