In 2021, six years after his time on The Every day Present concluded, Jon Stewart returned to the TV area for The Downside with Jon Stewart, a present affairs present that streamed to Apple TV+ subscribers. Effectively, this internet hosting job sadly got here nowhere near lasting so long as his final one, as in October, The Downside with Jon Stewart ended after simply two seasons as a result of “artistic variations” with Apple. Now the U.S. authorities is urgent the corporate over what was reported to be one of many most important causes for the cancellation: China.
Supposedly when Stewart instructed his employees that the present was ending, he talked about that “potential present matters associated to China and synthetic intelligence” prompted concern from Apple executives, and there was additionally stated to be “potential for additional artistic disagreements” when it got here to the 2024 presidential election. As regards to China although THR has realized that the Home Choose Committee on the Chinese language Communist Occasion has despatched a letter to Apple and its CEO, Tim Cook dinner, about whether or not the corporate’s relationship with China.
The letter, which was signed by committee chairman Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.) and rating member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois), famous that if the China-related data is correct, it “doubtlessly speaks to broader considerations about oblique Chinese language Communist Occasion (CCP) affect over the artistic expression of American artists and firms on CCP-related matters.” The politicians supported the power for artistic expertise, studios and streaming companies to “create content material with out concern of potential CCP retaliation and punishment,” then stated the next:
If Jon Stewart can doubtlessly be impeded from providing commentary on the CCP, what does this imply for much less distinguished personalities? Whereas there’s a likelihood {that a} high-profile particular person like Jon Stewart can find one other streaming service the place he can categorical his views on PRC-related issues, an aspiring comic who needs to make use of satire to make broader factors about human rights and authoritarianism faces even bleaker prospects. Respectfully, we consider that this wants to alter and accountable artistic professionals ought to be capable of freely write and carry out on PRC-related matters.
The letter additionally delved into the fear that concern of “anticipated CCP objections” and “coercive conduct” is main China to not directly affect Hollywood to be able to keep away from “grave skilled penalties.” Whether or not something will come of this probe stays to be seen, although it’s uncertain that it’s going to lead to Apple doing a 180 and bringing again The Downside with Jon Stewart for Season 3. Nonetheless, if this may finally make clear an even bigger challenge and result in significant change, then no less than some good may have come from the present’s cancellation.
There’s a world the place the Apple TV+ present may have gone on for for much longer. Though The Downside with Jon Stewart’s first season had bother grabbing viewers, issues picked up in Season 2 thanks to numerous viral clips. It was even nominated for Excellent Discuss Collection on the seventy fifth Primetime Emmy Awards, which airs on January 15, 2024. Relating to Jon Stewart himself, it’s unclear if he’ll now search to host one other news-oriented TV present or if he’s content material with leaving that nook of his skilled profession behind him.
Though this collection has come to an finish, you’re welcome to look over the opposite finest Apple TV+ reveals on the platform. In any other case, our 2023 TV schedule and 2024 TV schedule might be perused to be taught what different small display leisure is premiering within the close to future.
