Jon Stewart Returns to HBO for First Stand-Up Special in 21 Years

Jon Stewart returns to HBO for first stand-up special in 21 years

Jon Stewart is set to headline two HBO comedy specials, it was announced today by Casey Bloys, president, HBO Programming. He will return to HBO for his first stand-up special since the 1996 HBO presentation Jon Stewart: Unleavened, with the date and location to be announced as they are confirmed.

Additionally, this fall Stewart will host the latest Night of Too Many Stars all-star benefit for NEXT For AUTISM, to be presented live from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, Nov. 18. The special will feature stand-up performances, sketches and short films. The comedy event was created by comedy writer and performer Robert Smigel to support autism schools, programs and services. NEXT for AUTISM (formerly New York Collaborates for Autism) is a non-profit organization that strategically designs, launches and supports innovative programs to improve the lives of people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“We’re excited to bring Jon to the network with this pair of specials,” said Bloys. “We’ve all missed his uniquely thoughtful brand of humor.”

“I’m really thrilled to be able to return to stand-up on HBO,” adds Stewart. ”They’ve always set the standard for great stand-up specials. Plus, I can finally use up the last of the Saddam Hussein jokes left over from my first special.”

Jon Stewart became the host of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in 1999, stepping down from the show in 2015. The series received 23 Primetime Emmys and two Peabody Awards. Stewart hosted the Academy Awards twice, in 2006 and 2008, and wrote the New York Times bestselling books “Earth (The Book): A Visitor’s Guide to the Human Race” and “America (The Book): A Guide to Democracy Inaction,” which was on the New York Times bestseller list for 18 consecutive weeks. He also wrote and directed the 2014 feature film Rosewater.

In addition to Jon Stewart: Unleavened, his first HBO stand-up special, his previous HBO credits include hosting the special George Carlin: 40 Years of Comedy, Mr. Show with Bob and David and a recurring role on The Larry Sanders Show.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

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