Weeks after Jon Stewart announced his resignation from “The Daily Show,” longtime correspondent Jason Jones broke the news that he’ll be following in his footsteps.
Jones tweeted Tuesday that he will exit the show, in which he worked with his wife Samantha Bee, who’s been a correspondent since 2003, after nearly a decade.
For 9 & 1/2 years, I have worked at one of the greatest TV shows of all time. But… It is time for me to go. 1/2
— Jason Jones (@jonesinforjason) February 24, 2015
That said, I am ecstatic to announce that I’m about to make another great show over @tbsveryfunny 2/2
— Jason Jones (@jonesinforjason) February 24, 2015
Bee will remain on the “The Daily Show,” a spokesperson for Comedy Central confirmed to Variety via email.
The news of Jones’ exit comes the same day his comedy was picked up by TBS. The untitled family comedy was given a 10-episode order, and will star Jones, who will also serve as exec producer with Bee. Jones will depart Comedy Central’s latenight talk show later this year to begin production on the TBS laffer.
The announcement shuts down rumors that Jones could replace Stewart on “The Daily Show.” Bee has also been a buzzed-about name up for contention.
As for who will take Stewart’s seat at the anchor desk, “The Daily Show’s” fan-favorite Jessica Williams shut down rumors, tweeting a slew of messages earlier this month, stating she won’t be replacing the host of 17 years.
Fact 1: I’m not hosting. Thank you but I am extremely under-qualified for the job!
— Jessica R. Williams (@msjwilly) February 16, 2015
Meanwhile, “The Soup” host Joel McHale told Variety he’s not eyeing the gig.
“I don’t think I’m smart enough to do the job,” McHale said, pointing out that he’s signed onto two more years with E! “Jon Stewart deals with large, very important issues. We obsess about the weirdos on ‘The Bachelor’ who do ghost adventures and look for Bigfoot. So I think the show would not be up to the intellectual standards that everyone is looking for.”
