Moving from centerstage to behind the scenes, Jon Stewart, host of "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central, is going on hiatus for 12 weeks this summer as he directs his first film, "Rosewater."
"I was so, so surprised and disappointed to hear that he was taking a hiatus, but I don't blame him for wanting to take summer break along with us college kids." senior Katie Attinello said.
According to the "New York Daily News," "Rosewater" is a political-drama based on "Then They Came for Me: A Family's Story of Love, Captivity, and Survival" by BBC journalist Maziar Bahari. "Then They Came for Me: A Family's Story of Love, Captivity, and Survival" is about Bahori's imprisonment and torture by the government of Iran in 2009.
Bahori and Stewart met after the journalist made an appearance on "The Daily Show." Filming for the memoir-based film will begin on-site in June.
Stewart has hosted "The Daily Show" since 1999 and has also written two books, along with several articles for "The New York Times" and "Esquire." This will be the first film that Stewart directs.
"I started watching 'The Daily Show' when I was a freshman in high school. I thought it was a great way to make current events interesting, relevant and relatable," sophomore Danielle Wankmuller said. "I still use 'The Daily Show' and 'The Colbert Report' as my main source for news, although I also read "The New York Times" most mornings and watch CNN in my down time."
"The Daily Show" discusses current news and politics, and Stewart's guests range from political figures to authors and celebrities.
"Sometimes it's hard for me to keep up with the news and everything that is going on in the world, but Jon Stewart's 'Daily Show' really makes it fun and easy," senior Jonica Williams said. "He's clever, sarcastic and knows his stuff."
According to a poll done by Fairleigh Dickinson University, many people, like Williams, get their news from shows like "The Daily Show."
"Right now I am a history major, and I plan to be a high school teacher when I graduate. When I teach history after I graduate I would want to have my students watch the show to try and get their news," Wankmuller said. "It really makes current events and politics interesting for people that would normally ignore those kinds of things. It is a great way to get America's youth involved and create a voice for the average person that is not completely wrapped up in our polarized politics."
During Stewart's hiatus, comedic reporter John Oliver will be taking his place.
"I don't watch it every day but I'll definitely miss the show when he's on his hiatus," Williams said. "I may have to watch Colbert instead."
"The Daily Show" airs weeknights at 11 p.m.
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