Top 4: Daily Show Correspondents

I've had this list in mind for a while, but the #4 spot has been giving me headaches. But, as they say, without further gilding the lily and no more ado, here's the list:

#4. John Oliver (2006-present): Obviously, he's the new guy, so after only a year to put a guy ahead of many funny correspondents who've lasted much longer is tough. But he's very much become the go to guy. For a while, it seemed like he was on the show every night, and he was funny every time. They were actually running the risk of John Oliver burnout, but thankfully have backed off a little and he's usually not on more than twice in a week these days.

So far, I think he only has the one recurring segment: Wilmore-Oliver investigates, with "Senior Black Correspondent" Larry Wilmore. It's been quite good the few times they've trotted it out, but I get the feeling Oliver is kept so busy with his in-studio bits that he doesn't have too much opportunity for the field work. In any event, I'm sure that if he sticks around for a while, he'll be remembered as one of the best The Daily Show has ever had.


#3. Beth Littleford (1996-2000): Craig Kilborn pales in comparison to Jon Stewart, obviously, and the entire show improved when the switch was made. While Stewart's Daily Show is highly political, the Kilborn version felt more like a local news satire, with more emphasis on "wacky" stories, entertainment news, and more regular field reports from the correspondents. And Beth Littleford, as the best of the original cast, helped establish the faux-sincere tone that has become a staple of the show ever since.

#2. Steve Carell (1999-2004): A veteran of the Chicago improv scene and cast member of 1996's brilliant but quickly cancelled The Dana Carvey Show, Carell joined The Daily Show in 1999, and was an immediate hit, eventually launching the big TV and movie career he's enjoying today. He took a slightly different approach on The Daily Show, while most every other correspondent went with a satirical tone, mocking their subjects, Carell frequently turned the mockery on himself, playing an ignorant reporter trying desperately to hide his stupidity, and often unable to keep the struggles of his personal life out of his stories.

#1. Stephen Colbert (1997-2005): The obvious choice, and the only choice for #1, Colbert also came to the show from Chicago improv and had appeared with Steve Carell on The Dana Carvey Show. Upon his arrival in 1997, he was "the new guy," a title he would retain for Craig Kilborn's entire run on the show, but by the time Jon Stewart took over, Colbert was the go to guy, and remained the best contributor to the show until he moved on to the equally brilliant Colbert Report. Between This Week in God, Even Stephven (with Carell), his regular field reports, and his in studio bits with Stewart, Colbert was easily the best of the bunch.

Just for kicks, one of my favorite Even Stephvens, featuring #1 and #2:

Honorable Mention: Mo Rocca, Ed Helms, Rob Corddry.