We know of John Mulaney as a brilliant stand-up comic. But the second innings of his career could have looked different. The comedian was asked to replace Jon Stewart after he decided to leave ‘The Daily Show.’ Mulaney, however, was in two minds about the decision.

On the podcast ‘Basic!’, he opened up about his anxieties and insecurities getting in the way of a potentially great opportunity. Mulaney told the hosts Doug Herzog and Jen Chaney that he turned out the job as he was “gun shy” following the recent failure of his sitcom ‘Mulaney.’

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John Mulaney Admits Being “Gun Shy” After His Sitcom’s Failure

Post ‘Saturday Night Live,’ many of the show’s cast members have had successful television and film careers. But not everyone has been able to excel outside the show’s bubble. John Mulaney had a self-titled sitcom, ‘Mulaney,’ on Fox that got canceled after its first season. His confidence was at an all-time low. But then came ‘The Daily Show’ gig, which he turned down.

John Mulaney told the hosts, “I think I also was gun shy from putting myself out there at that moment after the Fox run and I sensed all eyes would be on whoever came after Mr. Stewart… It wasn’t the right thing at the moment. Had he been offered the job later in life, ‘The Daily Show’ would have looked different.

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Trevor Noah Takes Over ‘The Daily Show’ From John Stewart

When John Mulaney was no longer an option, South Africa-born comedian Trevor Noah was named John Stewart’s ‘The Daily Show’ successor. Noah won the job against comedy heavyweights Amy Schumer, Louis C.K., Amy Poehler, and Chris Rock. Noah took the show’s reigns in 2015, staying on for seven years as the main correspondent.

Trevor Noah announced his departure on September 29, 2022, during the show’s taping. Later that year, it was announced that multiple comedians would replace the former host. In the meantime, the show is being hosted by a rotating guest list of stand-up comedians and former correspondents of the show.

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