Jon Stewart, not burned out after all, signs 4-year deal with HBO

Jon Stewart has funny stuff left. HBO says the former Comedy Central icon will produce “timely short-form digital content” for its websites.

“Jon Stewart led a revolution that changed the face of TV comedy on the ‘Daily Show,’” said Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. “He graced our network nearly 20 years ago, so we’re thrilled to welcome back his immense talents in this next chapter of his career.”

His work will appear on HBO NOW, HBO GO and other platforms, “and includes a first-look option for other film and TV ventures,” the network said Tuesday.

“In his first project for HBO under the new deal, Stewart will view current events through his unique prism. Working with the pioneering cloud graphics company OTOY Inc., he is developing new technology that will allow him to produce timely short-form digital content,” HBO said.

Stewart said: “I’m so excited to be working with Richard [Plepler], Michael and the entire HBO family. Appearing on television 22 minutes a night clearly broke me. I’m pretty sure I can produce a few minutes of content every now and again.

Rejoicing (and snark) has begun.

Jon Stewart HBO deal is huge news. We finally know what he’s doing post-Summerslam.

— Sam Roberts (@notsam) November 3, 2015

Jon Stewart is trading the predictability of a nightly TV show for the flexibility of the Internet https://t.co/Mbp8S66Yqi

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 3, 2015

Jon Stewart’s short videos will start streaming in early 2016. An @HBO spokeswoman says she can’t be more specific https://t.co/Mbp8S66Yqi

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 3, 2015

What if Jon Stewart’s new HBO show is a continuation of his role in Big Daddy?

— Jordan T. (@Xenojay) November 3, 2015