JASON JONES
The “Daily Show” correspondent has proven to be a standout cast member and perhaps a talent worthy of manning the desk — though his TBS pilot with wife and “Daily Show” colleague Samantha Bee could keep him too busy for the gig.
JEFFREY ROSS
Dubbed Comedy Central’s Roastmaster General, Jeffrey Ross is one of the wittiest stand-up comedians around. He’s best known for his stinging insults, but the 49-year-old is intelligent enough to dish on a daily dose of news.
KRISTEN SCHAAL
Often Billed “The Daily Show’s” Senior Women’s Issues Correspondent, Schaal has been contributing to Comedy Central’s flagship satirical news program since 2008.
AZIZ ANSARI
He’s young, charming and has a huge following. Comedy Central has aired several of his stand-up specials, but would they give the “Parks and Recreation” star a chance behind the anchor desk?
JOHN MULANEY
The “Saturday Night Live” veteran is a prolific stand-up comedian as well as the star and creator of his own Fox sitcom, appropriately titled “Mulaney.”
LEWIS BLACK
The veteran standup has been delivering his own uniquely aggressive brand of news on “The Daily Show” for even longer than Stewart. His bold, abrasive recurring segment “Back in Black” originated in 1996 when Craig Kilborn hosted the program.
JOEL MCHALE
McHale has been “The Soup’s” hilarious host since 2004, so he certainly has the chops for a satirical series. But his E! show airs weekly, making “The Daily Show” a decidedly more demanding commitment for the busy actor, who also stars on “Community.”
CRAIG KILBORN
Craig Kilborn hosted “The Daily Show’s” first three years before Jon Stewart was even a twinkle in Comedy Central’s eye — who’s to say he couldn’t retake the reins? Sadly, sources tell TheWrap it’s not in the cards.
PAUL F. TOMPKINS
Could Tompkins be “The Daily Show’s” first ever mustachioed news anchor? His resume includes topical comedy shows like “Real Time With Bill Maher,” “Best Week Ever” and “Comedy Bang! Bang!” and he also has his own critically adored podcast, “The Pod F. Tompkast.”
DANIEL TOSH
Between “Tosh.0” and “Brickleberry,” it’s clear Comedy Central and Daniel Tosh have a good working relationship. But is the controversial comedian up to tackling daily news?
CHELSEA HANDLER
The late night landscape is pretty devoid of a female presence right now, but maybe Comedy Central will take a close look at Handler, who finished her run on E!’s “Chelsea Lately” in August.
CRAIG FERGUSON
Craig Ferguson ended his nine-year run behind the desk at CBS’s “Late Late Show” in December, so there’s a good chance he’s available. But is he willing to step back into the treacherous waters of late night so soon?
BRIAN WILLIAMS
Why not Williams? The NBC News anchor was suspended for six months just minutes after Stewart dropped the bomb. Maybe he wants to try satire?