WATCH: When Jon Stewart humiliated Tucker Carlson on his own show

It’s only right that we take a look back at one of Jon Stewart’s best television appearances. The former Daily Show host took on Tucker Carlson back in 2004 during an episode of Crossfire. Many continue to suggest that Stewart’s short time on the show led to its cancellation shortly after.

So what really happened?

Stewart agreed to be a guest on the political panel show after making it clear he was worried about the impact the programme was having on an already polarised United States. Speaking directly to Carlson, Stewart told the now Fox News host: “I’m here to confront you because we need help from the media and they are hurting us.”

“I made a special effort to come on the show today because I have mentioned this show as being bad,” he added.

Despite what would appear to be a good format for a political debate show, Stewart argued that CNN’s Crossfire was failing at reaching any form of reasonable consensus on major issues.

Although, it’s clear Stewart was keen to have his shot at Tucker during the taping. At one point in the conversation, the comedian told Carlson, “You’re as big a dick on your show as you are on any show.”

Jon Stewart: “It really was not my intent to be disruptive”

Many years later, Stewart responded to a Reddit question on the topic of his appearance. John admitted: “It really was not my intent to be disruptive. I truly thought we’d have a goof about how terrible the program is at the top, and move on.”

It seems Stewart’s ambitious approach to the debate back in 2004 has left a nasty aftertaste in Carlson’s mouth all these years later.

Just last year, the Fox host said that Stewart looks like a “homeless mental patient”. Ouch.

Tucker is known for his quick temper when things turn heated on the air. Back in 2019, a video leaked of the news anchor swearing at a Dutch historian in a frenzy during an interview segment. The Fox host shockingly told Rutger Bregman to “go **** yourself”.

Many viewers have pointed out across social media that Stewart’s appearance on Crossfire would mark the last time Tucker ever wore a bowtie on national television, which John fiercely mocked during the segment.

Now, Stewart and Tucker have parted ways and we don’t expect the two to share a screen in the near future. John now hosts a late-night show on Apple+ and Tucker is continuing his popular run as a primetime anchor on the Fox News network.