The first The Daily Show aired on July 21, 1996. Created by Lizz Winstead and Madeleine Smithberg for Comedy Central, the original host was Craig Kilborn. The show's initial focus was focusing on human-interest stories and generally mocking hapless people.
In January 1999, Jon Stewart took over as host, and the show's focus shifted to satirical news. With the addition of key writers recruited from The Onion, The Daily Show became adept at skewering politics and traditional media with razor-sharp satire. Since 2000, The Daily Show has received 16 Emmys and 2 Peabodys. While the show's mantra insists that they provide "entertainment through fake news", the dedication to integrity (even if comedically) has given the show an air of credibility that few serious television journalistic outlets have replicated.
The Daily Show currently tapes at NEP Studio 52 at this address most Mondays through Thursdays.
