Roy Wood Jr. Quits ‘The Daily Show’ After 8 Years: He Explains Why

Roy Wood Jr. was a favorite to take over from Trevor Noah as The Daily Show‘s new permanent host, but those hopes are no more, as the comedian has decided to exit the Comedy Central show after eight years.

“I can’t come up with [what] Plan B is while still working with Plan A,” Wood told NPR. “The job of correspondent… it’s not really one where you can juggle multiple things. [And] I think eight years is a good run.”

A spokesperson for The Daily Show responded to the news of Wood’s departure, telling NPR, “Roy Wood Jr. is a comedic genius and beloved teammate. His insights and hilarity helped us make sense of the 2016 election, the pandemic, and countless hours of Fox News. We thank him for his time with us and can’t wait to see what he does next.”

Wood joined The Daily Show in 2015 and became one of the series’ regular correspondents. He also hosted the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner earlier this year.

When asked if he would consider returning to host the show, he said, “If you’re offered the chance to host The Daily Show at any point in your life… you have to stop for a second and consider that. The next question becomes, ‘What does The Daily Show look like in 2024? And what does late night look like in 2024?'”

Since Noah left The Daily Show last December, the show has introduced a string of guest hosts, including the likes of Leslie Jones, Sarah Silverman, Wanda Sykes, Chelsea Handler, Marlon Wayans, Al Franken, Kal Penn, Hasan Minhaj, and Wood himself.

Guest hosts are set to continue when the show returns post-WGA strike on Monday, October 16. There is no word as of yet on when Comedy Central intends to name a permanent successor.

It was reported in August that former Daily Show correspondent Minhaj was a leading favorite to take over as full-time host, a decision that Wood said he thinks would be a good choice.

“I think Hasan checks a lot of boxes that the network would want and people would want,” Wood shared. “Hasan’s young, he’s global and he has the political I.Q.”

In a further statement, Wood thanked Noah, Paramount, and Comedy Central “for giving me the runway to also produce three one-hour stand-up specials, for letting me host two award-winning podcasts, letting me write & shoot my own comedy pilot, write a film, and much, much more. I look forward to finding other ways to collaborate with them down the road.”

“Until then, I am excited to nurture new ideas and see what the future holds for me in the shifting sands of late night television, scripted comedy, and whatever else the comedy gods may have in store for me in 2024 and beyond,” he added.

Check out some of the fan reaction to Wood’s departure.

Roy Wood Jr should have been given that show. This is messed up so many levels, and not even surprising in the least bit. We stand with you @roywoodjr

— NOIVAS. (@noivaswright) October 5, 2023

Earlier this year, @roywoodjr gave a strong performance that should have earned him the top job, after a successful week guest hosting @TheDailyShow. According to figures provided by Comedy Central, Wood had the 2nd-best ratings of the show’s guest hosts, 2nd only to @alfranken.

— Glen Dixon (@glenrdixon) October 5, 2023

Wowwww @ComedyCentral fumbled real bad with this

— Mulatto Menace 👻 (@tyty_nuggets) October 5, 2023

💔 That sux, but Roy Wood Jr., we got you no matter what you do. I would watch a series of Roy fixing his son’s trucks & charging him for it.

— Tennessee Liberal (@TNsmartass) October 5, 2023

At a certain point you realize folks playing on your name. I respect this move 100%

— El Jefe de Cool Kids Who are Now Aging Club (@canuck_chuck_) October 5, 2023

Totally their loss here. @roywoodjr is spectacular and deserves much better.

— Becky Haynes (@BeckyHaynes) October 5, 2023

This is such a shame. Roy Wood Jr. is brilliant—I watch The Daily Show mainly to see his comedy and it won’t be the same without him. Comedy Central may be overthinking this. He should definitely be the host. C’mon, guys: Choose Roy!

— Zija Pulp (@zija_pulp) October 5, 2023

The Daily Show, New Episodes, Monday, October 16, Comedy Central