What Time Does The Daily Show Come On – Complete Guide for Viewers

For decades, fans have asked the same simple question: what time does The Daily Show come on? As of September 2025, the answer remains consistent. The award-winning late-night program airs Monday through Thursday at 11:00 PM Eastern / 10:00 PM Central on Comedy Central. It’s a familiar slot that has helped the show become one of the longest-running and most influential satirical programs on television.

But beyond just the schedule, there’s much more to know. From Jon Stewart’s celebrated return on Mondays to the evolution of its hosting lineup, international time conversions, and the rise of streaming platforms, the timing of The Daily Show plays a bigger role in its identity than many realize.

A Legacy Built Around Its Time Slot

Since its debut in 1996, The Daily Show has been firmly positioned as a late-night staple. Its 11:00 PM Eastern time slot is strategic—right after prime-time television and just before midnight. This placement allows the program to serve as a witty, often biting recap of the day’s political events and cultural happenings.

Over the years, this consistent time frame has become synonymous with the brand. Viewers know that when the clock strikes 11 PM on weeknights, Comedy Central will deliver sharp commentary and satire. Even with changes in hosts—from Craig Kilborn to Jon Stewart, Trevor Noah, and now a mix of Stewart and guest correspondents—the time has remained constant.

The Current Schedule (2025)

To make it crystal clear for anyone asking what time does The Daily Show come on, here’s the present schedule:

• Air Days: Monday through Thursday
• Air Time: 11:00 PM ET / 10:00 PM CT
• Host Lineup:
  • Mondays: Jon Stewart
  • Tuesdays to Thursdays: rotating correspondents and guest hosts
• Network: Comedy Central
• Streaming: Available next morning on Paramount+

This reliable format ensures that audiences know exactly when to tune in, regardless of who is hosting on a given night.

Jon Stewart’s Return on Mondays

Jon Stewart, who defined The Daily Show for 16 years before stepping down in 2015, returned in 2024 to host the Monday editions. His comeback brought a surge of renewed interest, with many long-time fans returning to watch live at 11 PM.

Stewart’s presence has given the Monday broadcasts a “must-watch” status. His sharp humor and credibility as a cultural commentator make these episodes especially impactful. Knowing that Stewart is on screen every Monday at 11:00 PM has created a weekly ritual for viewers.

Rotating Hosts During the Week

While Stewart anchors Mondays, Tuesdays through Thursdays feature a rotating lineup of correspondents and guest hosts. This arrangement allows the program to stay fresh and experiment with different comedic voices. The consistency lies not in who’s at the desk, but in the fact that the show always begins at the same time: 11:00 PM Eastern.

This mix of predictability and flexibility has helped the show remain competitive in the ever-changing late-night landscape.

Why 11:00 PM Matters

The answer to what time does The Daily Show come on might sound straightforward, but the significance of its timing is worth exploring.

• Political Relevance: By airing at the end of the day, the show can incorporate breaking news into its scripts almost immediately.
• Audience Habits: Viewers are winding down and ready for humor that makes sense of the day’s chaos.
• Competition: Positioned alongside late-night giants, The Daily Show stands out with its unique blend of news and comedy.

This timing has helped the program influence public conversations while still being an accessible, entertaining watch.

Special Episodes and Exceptions

Although Stewart usually sticks to Mondays, there are occasions when he returns on other nights for special events. For example, in September 2025, he hosted a rare Thursday night episode, reflecting the show’s ability to adapt to the shifting late-night scene.

Despite these exceptions, the air time does not change—the special episodes still go live at 11:00 PM ET.

Watching From Outside the United States

For global fans, what time does The Daily Show come on requires adjusting for time zones. Since the program airs at 11:00 PM ET:

• United Kingdom: 4:00 AM the following day
• India: 8:30 AM the following day
• Australia (Sydney): Around 1:00 PM the next day
• Middle East: Between 6:00–7:00 AM the next morning

This makes live viewing difficult for many, which is why international audiences rely heavily on streaming services and clips shared on social media.

Streaming and On-Demand Options

In today’s digital-first world, many viewers no longer watch live on cable. For those asking what time does The Daily Show come on but who prefer streaming, the answer shifts slightly. New episodes are typically available the following morning on Paramount+.

This flexibility allows fans to catch up whenever it suits their schedule—whether over breakfast, during a commute, or later in the evening. The availability of short clips on platforms like YouTube and social media further extends the reach of the show beyond its late-night time slot.

Historical Perspective: Timing Through the Years

Though the content and hosts have evolved, the timing of The Daily Show has not. Since Craig Kilborn’s tenure in the late 1990s, the show has consistently stuck to its 11:00 PM ET broadcast.

• 1996–1998: Craig Kilborn launched the program, establishing the late-night foundation.
• 1999–2015: Jon Stewart’s era solidified the show as a cultural force, always airing at 11 PM.
• 2015–2022: Trevor Noah introduced a more global voice, while the timing remained unchanged.
• 2023–2025: Guest hosts kept the seat warm until Stewart’s return, yet the schedule never shifted.

This steadfast time slot has become one of the show’s most enduring traditions.

Comparison With Other Late-Night Shows

One reason people often search what time does The Daily Show come on is because late-night programming can be confusing. Unlike The Tonight Show or The Late Show, which begin closer to 11:30 PM, The Daily Show starts earlier.

This gives Comedy Central a slight advantage—it grabs viewers just before other late-night talk shows begin. For fans who want political comedy without staying up past midnight, 11:00 PM is ideal.

Why the Show Continues to Thrive at 11 PM

Despite challenges facing cable television, The Daily Show continues to hold its place because:

• The timing has become part of its identity.
• The blend of satire and serious interviews attracts both young and older audiences.
• Streaming options ensure that timing does not limit access.
• Special guests and breaking news coverage keep the content fresh at the end of each day.

Consistency is key, and the answer to what time does The Daily Show come on has remained the same through decades of change.

Quick Reference Table

Looking Ahead

The question of what time does The Daily Show come on will likely remain simple for the foreseeable future. Comedy Central has little reason to shift the schedule, especially given the show’s long-standing association with its 11 PM slot.

As audiences continue to evolve, the real difference lies not in when the show airs live, but how viewers choose to watch—whether on television at night, streamed the next morning, or consumed through viral clips throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

So, what time does The Daily Show come on? The answer remains unchanged: weeknights at 11:00 PM Eastern / 10:00 PM Central. Whether you tune in for Jon Stewart’s sharp Monday takes, enjoy the variety of rotating hosts, or stream the show the next day, The Daily Show continues to deliver its unique mix of satire, comedy, and cultural insight right on time.

If you’re one of the many who still plan their evenings around this schedule, we’d love to hear what keeps you coming back to the desk night after night.