Apple TV has cancelled the previously ordered upcoming season of Jon Stewart’s The Problem over disagreement with its political comedian host about topics for two planned episodes.
The Hollywood Reporter is stating that Apple had reportedly been pushing back on host Stewart’s plans to cover certain topics on the eight episode planned season including Artificial Intelligence and China. According to the HR’s sources, Stewart was chaffing at being “hamstrung” by Apple’s refusal to approve the two topics and wanted complete creative autonomy from Apple, especially given Apple’s own business ties with China and potential AI technology. With the two parties at an impasse, Apple ultimately deciding to just cancel the season entirely rather than reach a compromise on those two topics.
Stewart broke the news to his staff earlier today that Apple had pulled the plug on the new season, just days before filming on the show’s third season was set to begin.
With previous topics covered on the show including COVID-19, election interference, race relations, the Middle East and socialism versus capitalism, it would seem that Stewart and his show had pretty much had a free hand to explore whatever topic struck his fancy. However, with Apple having numerous business relationships with China, it seems that they will draw the line at letting Stewart bite the hand that feeds him.
