For fans of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, like myself, Monday's episode of the Daily Show without Jon Stewart was a terrifying look into the future. It was terrifying because longtime correspondent John Oliver was actually very good at hosting.

Every few years, the late-night television rumor mill speculates on whether Stewart will renew his contract, or take a gig hosting one of the many other late-night programs. Stewart, however, is executive producer of The Daily Show and it has always seemed unlikely he would trust it in the hands of another. This might not be the case anymore.

"Let's all acknowledge that this is weird," Oliver began – noting that the look, feel and sound of the show was just as strange for him as it was for the audience. He then told viewers Stewart had left in order to cobble shoes in a small Italian village (he's actually directing a film).

Oliver's opening monologue was delivered with an almost unnatural comfort, given that the desk he was filling has been occupied by Stewart since 1999. In that time, Stewart has taken the show from niche comedy to international success as a network television mainstay. He also fathered the Colbert Report, overwhelmed Washington DC with his 2010 Rally to Restore Sanity and watched the show be imitated internationally.

Not only is Oliver filling some beloved shoes, on Monday's episode, he was responsible for the show's first coverage of the NSA scandal, a story that observers more objective than myself will concede is a rather big one. He emulated Stewart's subtle but essential timing and gestures, to execute the story in typical Daily Show fashion – which included unveiling the show's new mock segment: Good News! You're Not Paranoid (brought to you by tinfoil).

After the 10-minute opening monologue, I was expecting Oliver to toss to commercial by scribbling on his script, like Stewart, who developed the habit when he quit smoking. That's not to say Oliver was pure-Stewart – he cursed substantially more and at moments you could tell he was giddy about hosting the show – which he has said it was his dream just to work for.

Before the episode aired, the show's writers, correspondents and production people offered Oliver considerable, genuine social-media support – a kind of love usually unseen in the television industry.

On camera, however, the correspondents attacked their former bedfellow, cursing at him and accusing him of betrayal. After all, most have held their positions longer than Oliver. "Ten years I've been talking American, only to be leap frogged by a God-forsaken foreigner," said 10-year veteran Samantha Bee – who is Canadian.

Since becoming a Daily Show correspondent in 2006, Oliver has played over-the-top to Stewart's straight man. In the hosting chair, Oliver successfully took on the role of the straight man.

"Sorry, I can't hear you under the glass ceiling," cried the newest correspondent, 23-year-old Jessica Williams, as Oliver attempted to stifle laughter, something for which Stewart has a weakness.

Oliver had most trouble with the celebrity interview segment, notoriously the most boring part of the show. His interviewing experience is limited to making the subject look as ridiculous as possible – he overcame that habit by having a casual conversation with the actor Seth Rogen. It's clear he will be better suited to interviewing politicians and newsmakers.

Maybe we should be happy Stewart can take some breaks. Maybe we should be happy if he ends his contract – the show won't go down in flames. Or maybe we just have to realize that we can handle The Daily Show without Jon Stewart, because if there was ever an heir-apparent to The Daily Show throne, it's clear that John Oliver is that guy.