Plan B is really important — whether it’s about bodily autonomy or dealing with the fact that Comedy Central doesn’t want you as the host of The Daily Show. Roy Wood Jr. knows this, and that’s why he’s leaving his job as a correspondent on The Daily Show. Wood has had the role for eight years, but is now stepping down after not being offered the job of permanent host. “I can’t come up with Plan B while still working with Plan A,†Wood said on NPR’s October 5 Morning Edition. “The job of correspondent … it’s not really one where you can juggle multiple things. I think eight years is a good run.†Wood added that if Comedy Central were to offer him the big job, he’d still consider it. “If you’re offered the chance to host The Daily Show at any point in your life … you have to stop for a second and consider that,†he said.
Wood later took to social media to share more thoughts about his “decision to move on.†Quoting TV exec Doug Herzog, Wood suggested that jobs are rented and not owned, writing, “Ultimately, no matter how long you are there, you’re just passing through.†He added in a Notes App statement that he is grateful to Trevor Noah, Paramount, and Comedy Central for the various ways he’s been able to pursue his “comedic and political curiosities†during his tenure at The Daily Show. “I look forward to finding other ways to collaborate with them down the road,†Wood concluded. “Until then, I am excited to nurture new ideas and see what the future holds for me in the shifting sands of late night television, scripted comedy, and whatever else the comedy gods may have in store for me in 2024 and beyond.â€
“Roy Wood Jr is a comedic genius and beloved teammate,†a spokesperson for The Daily Show said in a statement. “His insights and hilarity helped us make sense of the 2016 election, the pandemic, and countless hours of Fox News. We thank him for his time with us and can’t wait to see what he does next.†Now that Wood has left The Daily Show, maybe he should swap it out for another high-drama show with a similar name — The Morning Show. Does he want to go to space?
This post has been updated.