OSN, the region's biggest pay-TV network, has announced that it is dropping The Daily Show following the departure of iconic host Jon Stewart, reports The National.
New host South African comedian Trevor Noah will be replacing Jon Stewart when the show returns to US screens on September 28. Jon Stewart hosted The Daily Show from 1999 to 2015, and the satirical show was regularly broadcast on OSN First Comedy.
According to Kholoud Abu-Humus, OSN’s executive vice president for programming and creative services: “We did not believe that Noah will hold the show for our target audience.”
She added: “At the same time we have amazing programming announcements that will be coming on Oct 12 with new shows that are stronger and more appealing to our audience." Programs lined up for this season include the season of Empire, starring Terrence Howard, and the sixth and final season of Julian Fellowes' period drama Downton Abbey.
OSN has also dropped The Late Show following David Letterman's departure. The Daily Show alumni Stephen Colbert replaced David Letterman, who hosted the late-night talk show for 22 years. Colbert’s previous show, The Colbert Report, was broadcast on OSN First Comedy.
Noah will be headlining the first Dubai Comedy Festival at the Dubai Marina on October 24.
