Jon Stewart heads for HBO

Gary Levin | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Jon Stewart announces a four-year deal with HBO Jon Stewart's retirement as host of "The Daily Show" has allowed him to change channels — to HBO, that is. The comedian and premium-cable network announced a four-year deal Tuesday that will include Stewart creating exclusive digital content for HBO.

Jon Stewart had enough of The Daily Show, but he's following his fill-in John Oliver to HBO.

The comedian signed an exclusive 4-year pact with the premium cable network that will initially involve "short-form digital content" for HBO's expanding HBO Now streaming service, which can be updated several times a day. But the deal also includes a first-look option for traditional TV series and films.

Stewart, in a statement, said he's excited to be working with the HBO team. "Appearing on television 22 minutes a night clearly broke me. I'm pretty sure I can produce a few minutes of content now and again."

Oliver also left Comedy Central, joining HBO last year for Last Week Tonight, a weekly series not unlike The Daily Show. HBO is trying to boost subscriptions for HBO Now by offering unique content, signing deals with former ESPN editor and Grantland founder Bill Simmons and Vice Media that include digital content.

Stewart left Daily in August after 16 years, and has opened an animal-rescue farm in New Jersey with his wife, Tracey, but has not previously disclosed other plans. His last work for HBO included a stand-up special and a recurring role on The Larry Sanders Show in the 1990s.