裸聊直播

• August 6, 2015

With Jon Stewart hosting “The Daily Show” for the final time tonight, we chatted with one of his former writers — 裸聊直播 alumnus J.R. Havlan (BS ’87, Business Administration). After 18 years and multiple Emmy awards, Havlan left “The Daily Show” last June and brought his keen sense of humor to “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” But Havlan still had plenty of insight to share about his former boss and the iconic show.

What’s your reaction to Jon Stewart retiring from “The Daily Show”?

I'm sad, of course, but also a little concerned that he's going to be calling me all the time asking for money.

How much do you think his voice/presence will be missed?

How do you say "a lot" in every language on earth? There's nobody like Jon Stewart and he will undoubtedly be missed in this particular form, but trust me, he's not going away. I don't know what his specific plans are but one thing I can be sure of is that he's got multiple ideas up his sleeve and we'll all be benefiting from them in the near future. Also, I believe something like 80 percent of the current staff is staying to work with the new host, Trevor Noah, and I'm certain they'll continue to do amazing work. And finally, let's not forget that we still have John Oliver, and his show, in my humble opinion, is currently the best thing on television ... if you don't count “House Hunters International” of course.

What do you think his impact was on the industry? 

Well, to begin with, Jon was instrumental in developing a completely unique and influential genre of television, which is pretty impressive. But his biggest contribution might just be the talent that he unleashed on the American public during his 16 years at the show. Colbert, Carell, Helms, Oliver, Wilmore, Corddry, Riggle, Jones, Bee, Mandvi, Williams — the list goes on and on and on, and those are just the names you know. The many enormously talented writers and producers who worked at the show and moved on to other projects would also all genuinely give praise to Jon for teaching them how to be amazing. And to top it all off, 99 percent of the people who worked with him, including myself, will tell you he's the best boss they ever had. 

Do you have any special plans for watching the final episode?

I'm not going to the taping tonight because it's going to be a total madhouse, but also because I stole a stapler when I left and I think they're on to me. I am, however, going to the wrap party and I'm very excited to see so many of my friends and to be able to tell Jon “congratulations.” I assume he's going to miss being there, but I know for a fact that he's going to enjoy getting some sleep.

What are you up to now after leaving “The Daily Show” last summer?

Currently I'm considering becoming the 18th Republican candidate for President of the United States, but that might also just have been a fever dream I had. I left “The Daily Show” last June and spent an amazing summer with my wife and kids on a lake an hour outside of New York City. Then I went on a weeklong rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. Then I started work on a few original projects that remain “works in process.” And finally, last March, I was offered a job writing for “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” and because I'm not an idiot I said "sure!"

Do you and Jon Stewart keep in touch?

That depends. Do you consider me watching “The Daily Show” every night "keeping in touch"? Then yes. We keep in touch. Also, I'm pretty sure he's stalking me, but I don't have proof yet. He's extremely sneaky about it.

J.R. Havlan was in 2010.