Jon Stewart’s departure from Apple is due to issues with their handling of artificial intelligence and plans for an episode about China.
Macworld
Jon Stewart was considered a highly sought-after figure in Hollywood. He stepped down from hosting The Daily Show, a popular late-night comedy TV show, after achieving immense success with 24 Emmys and launching numerous other careers. He also had a significant impact on American news and politics.
It was quite a feat to bring Jon Stewart back on screen with a fresh show. The series, titled “The Problem with Jon Stewart,” followed a unique format – a deep exploration of a single subject once a week, interspersed with breaks. Despite some initial difficulties in its first season, the show was widely praised. The second season made some adjustments to its structure, resulting in a more polished and humorous product. It even received three Emmy nominations and gained widespread attention online for its captivating interviews.
Unfortunately, it appears that Apple is no longer in charge. According to The New York Times, right before production for season 3 began, Stewart and Apple had a falling out due to conflicting ideas about certain topics and guests. Specifically, discussions about China and AI made Apple uneasy, but Stewart refused to give up creative freedom or be censored. The Times reports that the upcoming 2024 election also caused concern for potential future conflicts.
The TV program that aired weekly was accompanied by a special podcast, but it will no longer continue. Stewart’s production company, Busboy Productions, had a deal with Apple to have first dibs on any future projects. It is uncertain what will happen with that agreement, but it appears that both parties have terminated the contract entirely.
