Trevor Noah’s first ‘Daily Show’ felt comfortably familiar as he settles into new gig

Those expecting something different from The Daily Show for Trevor Noah’s debut may have been surprised by how similar it was to Jon Stewart’s version of the program. Those fearful of significant changes were likely reassured and comforted by something very familiar. The war on bullshit would continue.

The introductory horns and the dateline were the same as before, which could have lulled you into thinking you were watching the same ol’ Daily Show. But then, of course, the announcer said “Trevor Noah” instead of “Jon Stewart,” a reminder that this was a new era. In addition to a new set and Noah’s fresh, smiling face behind the anchor desk, the camera approached from straight on, rather than from Stewart’s right as before.

Naturally, Noah began his first show by addressing the major change in place and acknowledging how surreal it was to take over what’s become a late-night institution, while also making a joke about his impoverished upbringing in South Africa. Fittingly, the new host paid tribute to Stewart, referring to him as “our political dad,” the voice that formed an ideological compass and watchmen for a generation of viewers.

Noah framed himself as the “new stepdad” (“and he’s black”) in this scenario, but this may be more like the cool older brother being in charge now. He also addressed why a woman or an American wasn’t named as the new Daily Show host, questions that were raised immediately after he was named as Stewart’s replacement. With both demographics having turned down the opportunity, that led to one of his best jokes of the night.

“Once again, a job Americans rejected is now being done by an immigrant.” Take that, Donald Trump!

But the news cycle never stops and Noah jumped on, covering last week’s visit by Pope Francis and John Boehner’s resignation from Congress. Not a bad way to start a new gig as a fake news anchor, though Noah lamented Boehner leaving Congress just before his new post begins, and the soon-to-be-former House Speaker taking all those jokes with him. In the meantime, he and correspondent Jordan Klepper used the Boehner story as an allegory for Stewart leaving The Daily Show to a new host.

The best segment of the night concerned Monday’s big news, NASA’s announcement that flowing water had been discovered on the surface of Mars, a development that could very well lead to a manned mission to Mars. Ideally, that may also create a path toward eventual colonization. But as Noah and new correspondent Roy Wood Jr. discussed, a certain segment of the population may not care about this news, possibly finding itself unwelcome on those initial trips to the Red Planet.

Wood looks like a potentially excellent addition to The Daily Show, commenting on race issues with trumped-up anger and finding the comedy in uncomfortable subjects. Consequently, that also allows Noah to weigh in on such topics, playing the straight man by using the misguided conventional wisdom that often comes from the unaffected, perhaps ignorant mainstream.

Kevin Hart also provided an ideal first guest for Noah’s debut, a talkative star who loves to hog all the attention and suck the oxygen out of the room in promoting himself. Obviously, it helps that Hart is also really funny. But Noah didn’t have to draw his guest out and ask forced questions about whatever was being promoted. Just let Hart go and he takes care of the rest. Interviewing guests might be the most difficult part of hosting a talk show. Hosts can try too hard to be chummy with celebrities (Jimmy Fallon) or appear disinterested in the typical promotional game (Craig Ferguson). Noah will surely get better with more repetitions, but for his first interview, it didn’t matter.

I could see some viewers shrugging after Noah’s debut, wondering what all the fuss was about. To many, it probably seemed like the same Daily Show. And for the most part, it was. Sticking with a familiar formula that works is a pretty smart move, especially when much of the behind-the-scenes team was held over from Stewart’s show. But if Noah had tried to present a radically different show on his first night, that likely would have alienated some fans. For now, it’s better to welcome them in, make them feel comfortable and then introduce the new stuff.

Of course, it’s unfair to judge Noah after one half-hour of television. However, the hope is that we eventually see some of what appealed to Comedy Central and Stewart in naming him the successor. That is surely soon to come. Noah just has to get his feet under him before jumping into the future.