Snagging Jon Stewart to host a new political talk show after his departure from The Daily Show was one of Apple TV Plusâ biggest achievements when The Problem With Jon Stewart was first announced back in 2020. But ahead of production kicking off on the showâs third season, Stewart and Apple have reportedly parted ways over âcreative differences,â and The Problem is coming to an end.
The New York Times reports that along with concerns about some of the guests booked to be on The Problem With Jon Stewart, Stewartâs intended discussions of artificial intelligence and China were a major concern for Apple. Though new episodes of the show were scheduled to begin shooting in just a few weeks, staffers learned today that production had been halted.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, ahead of its decision to end The Problem, Apple approached Stewart directly and expressed its need for the host and his team to be âalignedâ with the companyâs views on topics discussed. Rather than falling in line when Apple threatened to cancel the show, Stewart reportedly decided to walk.
Weâve reached out to Apple for comment about news of the cancellation but did not hear back in time for publication.
The Timesâ report doesnât detail what about the showâs planned coverage of artificial intelligence and China prompted Appleâs executive leadership to butt heads with Stewart. But considering how pointed criticality is a big part of what ultimately made The Problem With Jon Stewart a hit for Apple TV Plus and how maintaining a cordial relationship with China is crucial to Appleâs future plans for growth, it doesnât come as a shock to see the show hit the chopping block this way.