Feature

Jon Stewart to host Oscars again

Comedian Jon Stewart is expected to return as host of the Oscars in February

Comedian Jon Stewart is expected to return as host of the Oscars in February—even though his first appearance in 2006 resulted in the ceremony’s lowest ratings in years—The New York Times reported today. Many TV critics said the Daily Show host did a fine job when he presided over the Oscars the first time, but more viewers tuned in last year when Ellen DeGeneres took center stage.

“Has the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences lost its collective mind?” said Nikki Finke on her blog Deadline Hollywood Daily. Stewart attracted 38.9 million viewers when he hosted in 2006, but the following year Ellen DeGeneres brought in 39.9 million. Let’s not even talk about 1998, when Billy Crystal got 55 million people to watch. And Stewart doesn’t have a huge following outside of the U.S. When he was picked last time, “Australian Broadcasting Corp. said they’d never heard of Jon Stewart,” so he’s not exactly a “great host choice for international audiences.”

Actually, Stewart’s problem last time was that he was too popular, said Jeremy Smith on Chud.com. “He was at the height of his popularity with The Daily Show” and “if there’s one thing Hollywood hates, it’s being upstaged on its night by a beloved personality.” But he’s “cooled off” since then, so he should have a much easier time. “I’m actually looking forward to it.”

And why wouldn’t you? said Waleg.com. Stewart is the perfect MC for the Oscars. When he hosted in 2006, he “did a great job and was his usual funny, witty and charming self!” Why wouldn’t he be great again? “We expect the show to be as entertaining as last time.”

Recommended

TV to watch in April
Elizabeth Olsen in Love & Death
Feature

TV to watch in April

The daily gossip: March 31, 2023
Gwyneth Paltrow
Daily gossip

The daily gossip: March 31, 2023

Movies to watch in April
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Feature

Movies to watch in April

The daily gossip: March 30, 2023
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Daily gossip

The daily gossip: March 30, 2023

Most Popular

A plant-filled home could help prevent infections, study finds
Person watering house plants
plant prevention

A plant-filled home could help prevent infections, study finds

Millions of Americans poised to lose Medicaid coverage on April 1
Doctor holding clipboard.
healthcare at risk

Millions of Americans poised to lose Medicaid coverage on April 1

ChatGPT taken offline in Italy over privacy concerns
A ChatGPT logo with an Italian flag.
Turning Off The Tech

ChatGPT taken offline in Italy over privacy concerns