Having a Plan B is crucial, whether it involves personal autonomy or navigating the reality of not being chosen as the host for The Daily Show on Comedy Central. Recognizing this, Roy Wood Jr. is bidding farewell to his position as a correspondent.
After eight years in the role, Wood is resigning as he wasn’t offered the permanent host position.
“I can’t come up with Plan B while still working with Plan A,” Wood said on NPR’s October 5 Morning Edition. “The job of correspondent … it’s not really one where you can juggle multiple things. I think eight years is a good run.”
Wood added that if Comedy Central were to offer him the big job, he’d still consider it. “If you’re offered the chance to host The Daily Show at any point in your life … you have to stop for a second and consider that,” he said.
Wood later took to social media to share more thoughts about his “decision to move on.” Quoting TV exec Doug Herzog, Wood suggested that jobs are rented and not owned, writing, “Ultimately, no matter how long you are there, you’re just passing through.”
In a statement on the Notes App, he expressed gratitude to Trevor Noah, Paramount, and Comedy Central for the diverse opportunities to explore his “comedic and political curiosities” throughout his time on The Daily Show.
“I look forward to finding other ways to collaborate with them down the road,” Wood concluded. “Until then, I am excited to nurture new ideas and see what the future holds for me in the shifting sands of late night television, scripted comedy, and whatever else the comedy gods may have in store for me in 2024 and beyond.”
"You don't own these jobs. You rent them. They are not yours. Ultimately, no matter how long you are there, you're just passing through"- Doug Herzog
— Roy Wood Jr- Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) October 5, 2023
Thank You. pic.twitter.com/YFuomUUdIe
“Roy Wood Jr is a comedic genius and beloved teammate,” a spokesperson for The Daily Show said in a statement. “His insights and hilarity helped us make sense of the 2016 election, the pandemic, and countless hours of Fox News. We thank him for his time with us and can’t wait to see what he does next.” Now that Wood has left The Daily Show, maybe he should swap it out for another high-drama show with a similar name — The Morning Show. Does he want to go to space?
Source
- Roy Wood Jr. Is Leaving The Daily Show – Vulture