The host of ‘The Daily Show’ has extended his contract with Paramount for an extra year.

Good news for fans of free speech: Comedian-commentator Jon Stewart is staying put in the anchor seat at The Daily Show.

In an announcement by Comedy Central and parent company Paramount Global, Stewart’s contract has been extended for another year and now runs until December 2026, where he will host the Monday-night editions of the show and continue as an executive producer.

Stewart originally led The Daily Show from 1999 until 2015, during which time the show firmly established itself as a centrepiece of political satire and late-night discourse in the United States. After a long absence from the hosting hot seat, he returned in early 2024 in a part-time capacity from which point the show has transformed into a media behemoth, and one that is not afraid to openly criticise the authoritarian government currently in power.

How much does Jon Stewart earn? What is his net worth?

Critics see this move as significant not only for the show itself but for the late-night genre more broadly. With increasing pressure being placed on media executives to bend the knee to Trump, Stewart’s extension is undoubtedly the boost free speech needs.

As for the exact terms of Stewart’s new deal, they remain undisclosed, but estimates say he is still among the highest-paid figures in late-night television.

During his earlier run at The Daily Show, Stewart reportedly earned between $25 million and $30 million per year. His total net worth is currently estimated at around $120 million, built from decades of work as a succesful host, writer, and producer.