Liberal TV viewers now have a new favorite day of the week: Monday! Monday nights have suddenly become a hotspot in the Nielsen ratings and in national relevance, all thanks to a rare alignment of two TV icons from the political left who have chosen to air their shows exclusively on that evening.
Jon Stewart, the beloved host of “The Daily Show” and a beacon for Democrats during the Bush and Obama eras, made a surprising comeback in February and now hosts his show on Mondays at 11 p.m. Rachel Maddow, who scaled back her nightly duties on MSNBC in 2022, still holds a dedicated hour every Monday at 9 p.m.
In today’s chaotic media landscape, their once-a-week programs have become essential viewing for many. Ms. Maddow’s Monday show is the highest-rated hour of the entire week on MSNBC. Mr. Stewart’s “Daily Show” has seen a significant increase in viewership and has become a breakout hit for Comedy Central.
For Democrats feeling anxious about the upcoming election, Ms. Maddow and Mr. Stewart offer a sense of comfort. They are seasoned warriors of their political beliefs, guiding viewers through turbulent times in the political arena.
The success of their Monday shows reflects the enduring appeal of television personalities who have built a strong connection with viewers over the years, long before the media landscape became so fragmented.
In the past, it was believed that talk show hosts needed to appear daily to build an audience. However, in today’s era of irregularly scheduled content, viewers are content with tuning in sporadically.
Monday nights also feature a rising star among anti-Trump viewers: Jen Psaki, President Biden’s former press secretary, hosts a show on MSNBC every Monday at 8 p.m. Since its debut in October, Ms. Psaki’s show has seen a 9% increase in viewership.
While Ms. Maddow and Mr. Stewart share many beliefs, they also represent a range of viewpoints within the political left. Mr. Stewart, in particular, has challenged Democratic norms by poking fun at Mr. Biden’s age and raising questions about his fitness for office.
Despite criticisms from some quarters, Mr. Stewart’s unorthodox approach has only strengthened his bond with his dedicated fan base, as evidenced by the crowds lining up outside the “Daily Show” studio every Monday afternoon.
The demand for tickets to Mr. Stewart’s Monday tapings far exceeds that of other days of the week, reflecting the level of excitement surrounding his show. When Mr. Stewart is hosting, “The Daily Show” attracts an average of 1.7 million viewers, more than double the ratings of other hosts on the show.
Mr. Stewart’s return has revitalized the entire show, with viewership numbers surpassing those of previous hosts and guest hosts.
This year, Ms. Maddow’s show has averaged 2.5 million viewers, while other hosts on MSNBC draw significantly lower numbers. Even in the face of competition from conservative news outlets, Ms. Maddow maintains a strong following and continues to attract viewers during major political events.
Mr. Stewart’s brief foray into a weekly streaming program was not as successful as his return to traditional television. His presence on “The Daily Show” has reignited political discussions and engaged viewers in a way that his previous projects did not.
For fans like Alex Forlenza, Mr. Stewart’s return to “The Daily Show” has been a welcome comeback, showcasing his unique brand of humor and insight.
J. Edward Moreno contributed reporting.
