Getting Jon Stewart to host a new political talk show after leaving The Daily Show was one of Apple TV Plus’ biggest successes when The Problem With Jon Stewart was first announced in 2020. However, even before production began on the show’s third season, Stewart and Apple reportedly parted ways over “creative differences” and the issue is coming to an end.
The New York Times reports that in addition to concerns about some of the guests booked on “The Problem With Jon Stewart,” Stewart’s proposed discussions about artificial intelligence and China also posed a major problem for Apple. Although filming for new episodes of the series was scheduled to begin in just a few weeks, employees learned today that production had been halted.
According to , Apple reached out to Stewart directly before making its decision to end “The Problem,” expressing its desire that the host and his team “agree” with the company’s views on the topics discussed. Instead of falling in line when Apple threatened to cancel the show, Stewart reportedly decided to leave.
We reached out to Apple for comment on news of the cancellation but did not receive a response in time for publication.
The Times report does not elaborate on the show’s planned coverage of artificial intelligence, and China prompted Apple’s senior leadership to clash with Stewart. But considering how pointed criticism is a big part of what ultimately made The Problem With Jon Stewart a hit for Apple TV Plus, and how important maintaining a warm relationship with China is to Apple’s future growth plans, it’s not Shock Watch the show hit the chopping block this way.