Jon Stewart’s early comedy sketch that almost ended his MTV show
A risky sketch on ‘The Jon Stewart Show’
In a recent episode of Conan O’Brien’s podcast, Jon Stewart shared a memorable and controversial moment from his early career. Stewart, who hosted The Jon Stewart Show on MTV from 1993 to 1995, recounted a sketch that nearly led to the show’s cancellation.
The controversial idea
Stewart had replaced Arsenio Hall in the late-night slot and was eager to make his mark. Just two weeks into the show, he and his team came up with a provocative sketch. Stewart thought it would be humorous to have Dave Attell, one of the writers, dress up as Hitler and appear as a guest on the show. The idea was to present Hitler as if he were making a casual talk show appearance, complete with a clip from Nuremberg.
The execution and immediate backlash
Stewart described the creative process behind the sketch, noting that the team found it hilarious in their sleep-deprived state. However, the live audience’s reaction was far from what they expected. When Stewart introduced Attell as Hitler, the crowd responded with intense booing. Attell, dressed in full Nazi regalia and holding a bagel with schmear, attempted to deliver his lines, but the audience’s disapproval was overwhelming.
The control room’s reaction
The sketch’s failure was immediately apparent. Stewart recalled seeing the control room’s reaction, with the stage manager quickly intervening. Paramount executives, who were watching the live feed from Los Angeles, were not amused. Stewart received a stern phone call informing him that the sketch would never air and that such content was unacceptable.
A turning point in Stewart’s career
Despite the backlash, Stewart found the experience to be a significant learning moment. He realized the importance of enjoying his work and not being overly concerned with pleasing everyone. This revelation shaped his approach to comedy and his career moving forward.
The aftermath
Although The Jon Stewart Show was canceled shortly after the incident, Stewart went on to achieve great success. He became a 23-time Emmy-winning comedian and the beloved host of The Daily Show. The controversial sketch, while a misstep, ultimately contributed to his growth as a comedian and a public figure.
Reflecting on the past
Stewart’s story serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges that come with pushing boundaries in comedy. It highlights the fine line between provocative humor and offensive content, and the importance of understanding audience sensitivities.
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