With Jon Stewart out of the lineup for 12 weeks on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” — and his spot being filled by substitute host John Oliver — the show appears to be holding steady in the ratings, at least initially, reports EW.com’s Inside TV.
Monday’s show, the launch of Oliver’s stint filling in for Stewart, drew 1.5 million viewers and a 0.7 rating in the 18-49 demographic. That matches Stewart’s average so far this year, the piece notes.
"Let’s all acknowledge for a moment that this is weird,” the British-born Oliver said as he began his hosting duties. “This looks weird, it feels weird, it even sounds weird.”
Oliver has been a correspondent on the show for seven years. Stewart is taking a break to direct his first film, "Rosewater."
Here’s a clip of Oliver’s introduction to Monday’s show:
This is surprising. If Oliver continues to do well in the ratings, it may not bode well for Stewart next time he wants a raise. Think Lou Gehrig.