Jen Flanz

Flanz grew up in Rockland County, New York, and entered Binghamton University in 1994. She moved from philosophy, politics and law to literature and rhetoric, with a theatre minor, undertook television internships and graduated a semester early in December 1997.⁠[1]

After receiving offers from a documentary project and The Daily Show on the same day, Flanz chose the latter and started as a production assistant on January 16, 1998. Craig KilbornCraig KilbornCraig Kilborn is an American television host, comedy performer and podcaster who moved from sports broadcasting into late-night television. He was the first host of The Daily Show and later hosted CBS’s The Late Late Show.Open the full entry was then the host, with Madeleine SmithbergMadeleine SmithbergMadeleine Smithberg is a television producer, writer and cooking-show creator who co-created The Daily Show with Lizz Winstead and served as its executive producer. She later developed cooking videos and instruction through Mad In The Kitchen.Open the full entry overseeing production.⁠[1]

Flanz became an executive producer in 2013 and showrunner in 2019. Her tenure spans the transition from Jon StewartJon StewartJon Stewart is an American comedian, television host, writer and producer associated with Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. His work spans political satire, media criticism and interviews on public issues. He returned to host the program on Mondays in 2024.Open the full entry to Trevor NoahTrevor NoahTrevor Noah is a South African comedian, author, host and producer who hosted The Daily Show from 2015 to 2022. The author of Born a Crime, he also works through stand-up tours, podcasts, a production company and an education foundation.Open the full entry, with responsibilities expanding from daily production to staff management, creative consistency and the program’s direction.⁠[1]

After Noah’s 2022 departure, The Daily Show used guest hosts in 2023. In an interview that year, Flanz described coordinating four shows a week and a staff of more than 100. The October 2026 renewal announcement confirmed her continuing roles as showrunner and executive producer.⁠[1][2]

Her principal affiliation is Comedy CentralComedy CentralComedy Central is an American comedy television and digital-entertainment brand covering news satire, stand-up, sketch comedy and adult animation. Known for programs including The Daily Show and South Park, it is part of Skydance Corporation’s media business.Open the full entry’s The Daily Show, with the official program website at https://www.cc.com/fan-hub/the-daily-show (opens in a new window).⁠[3]