#3 Comedy on TV

#3 has been a staple for any serious comedy viewer since 1996. It is Comedy Central's nightly news half-hour, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The show was an underground smash from the beginning. Craig Kilborn (above) formally of ESPN hosted the topical mock news show until 1998. He was surrounded by talented anchors like A. Whitney Brown, Brian Unger and Vance Degeneres. When I heard Jon Stewart was taking over the show I have to admit I was a little nervous. After all, his work in this and this (scroll to 4.13)did not particularly impress me. But the show has flown to unprecedented heights under Stewart. Anchors like Stephan Colbert, Ed Helms, and Steve Carrell have made the show a must watch.
I am also including a spin off in this ranking. The Colbert Report is brand new and is quickly rising up the list. I consider these shows to be a package deal because they use the same kind of humor. Great Humor. And right now Colbert's crusade against "souless" bears is probably the funniest segment on television. "You're On Notice Bears!"

A Moment for Us: Did you know The Daily Show beats Letterman and Leno in Canadian TV ratings?

JT