Leslie Jones Wants a Permanent Gig on ‘The Daily Show’: “It Would Be Great to Have a Black Woman on Late Night”

Leslie Jones is vying for a permanent position on The Daily Show. The former Saturday Night Live player feels that it’s time to let a Black woman host a late night television program, and she thinks she’s the ideal choice. 

In a recent interview with People, Jones expressed that a Black woman should succeed Trevor Noah as the new permanent host of The Daily Show.

Since Noah’s exit last December, the show has been cycling through guest hosts. Jones helmed a 3-day run in January, and was followed by talent like Chelsea Handler, John Leguizamo, Wanda Sykes and others.

However, Jones feels as though it’s time for the program — which was previously presented by Craig Kilborn, Jon Stewart, then Noah — to change things up a bit. 

She told People, “It definitely should be a Black woman. Now, I’m not shitting on White women or whatever. I’m just saying it would be great to have a Black woman on late night. It’s time. I think people are ready for that.”

Jones added that she “definitely” hopes that she is brought back to the show as a full-time host. According to Deadline, Comedy Central is considering Roy Wood Jr., Desi Lydic and Jordan Klepper to succeed Noah as permanent replacements, with the studio leaning toward a hosting duo or trio. 

The comedian described her short time on The Daily Show as an “in-the-pocket” fit. Jones said, “Everybody there was good at their job and everybody there was staying in their lane and did their job.” She described working with the production as “not chaotic” and “not stressful.”

Jones also recalled asking Chris Rock for advice before her run. He told her, “Don’t try to be Trevor. Be you.”

The Daily Show airs weeknights at 11/10c on Comedy Central.