There's an old superstition that I just made up: It's bad luck to do a lot of blog-posting on Friday the Thirteenth. Actually, it's bad luck to do a lot of blog-posting when you have pressing deadlines but I like the first excuse better. Either way, I won't be around much here today.
I keep reading all sorts of different conspiracy-type theories why Jon Stewart has decided he wants to do something else with his life besides The Daily Show. He's furious that everyone agrees John Oliver's show is better. He's sure the show's going down in flames and he wants to bail before that's evident. He has an offer to replace Brian Williams. Stuff of that sort. Has it really come to this, people? We no longer take anything a public figure says at face value?
I see odd names being mentioned as possible replacements for Stewart…names like Craig Ferguson or Chris Rock. I can't imagine Comedy Central wanting someone who is so well-established in what they do that they'd alter The Daily Show to fit that. The network must want someone who'd come in and continue the program that's been so successful for them. I mean, I love Craig Ferguson but he'd turn it into The Craig Ferguson Show.
If I were in charge: Well, let's assume John Oliver is lost to HBO. My next thought would be to see if any former correspondents, like Ed Helms or Rob Corddry, were tired of being well-paid movie stars. Assuming none were, I think I'd give some consideration to not beknighting one new host but to instead let the Daily Show "news team" rotate: Jason Jones, Samantha Bee, Jordan Klepper, Jessica Williams, Assif Mandvi, etc. If one of them becomes so adept that you want him or her to have the host's chair full-time, great. If not, I think the show could do fine with this approach. I am not suggesting though that Comedy Central will think that way.
Good luck to those in storm territory. If there were a way we could redirect some of that precipitation our way, I'm sure the population of Southern California would gladly take it off your hands. And roofs. And streets.