AP: Although Stewart has called it a “fake news show,” a lot of people do rely on “The Daily Show” as a primary news source. Will that continue?
TN: When you are honest in your comedy, you have to acknowledge the world that you’re in. Through a comedic voice you’re talking about what needs to be talked about, whether it’s race relations or politics or anything that’s happening on a global or an American scale. That’s exactly the space “The Daily Show” is in.
AP: The late-night talk/comedy realm is pretty crowded. How do you feel to be going up against all that competition?
TN: “Against” is a very strong term. Maybe it’s because I come from a very utopian world of being a comedian, but I’m used to many live comedy performances going on in any city I’m in, and each of us is trying to be the best at what we do. I don’t think of it as a competition so much as a thriving comedy economy. And now I’m joining on a show with one of the best teams in the world.
AP: How involved will Stewart be in the show once you arrive?
TN: What’s great for me is, I have in him a mentor and a friend who I can call on, who can give me advice — a fellow comedian, at the end of the day.