FISCHER: Watching TV like it’s 2008

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

What year is it again?

I thought it was 2024, but nowadays I’m not so sure.

After all, Russel T Davies is the showrunner for “Doctor Who” and Jon Stewart is hosting “The Daily Show,” so… is it’s really 2024 or have I slipped through a time warp and ended up back in the mid-00’s?

For those that need a bit of context, Russel T Davies is among the people credited for the revival of “Doctor Who” back in 2005, returning the classic BBC sci-fi show to television after more than a decade and a half off the air. He served as the show’s executive producer, showrunner, and head writer until 2010 before passing the reins over to Steven Moffat.

One could argue about the overall quality of “Doctor Who” since Davies’ departure, but it’s undeniable that the show has not maintained the heights of popularity it saw during those first years.

Meanwhile, Jon Stewart was already well on his way to becoming the most respected name in news for a whole generation, an unusual honor for a comedian hosting a parody news show.

But, parody or not, the impact “The Daily Show” had on the media and political landscape during his tenure can hardly be understated. He brought truth to power in a way that major news networks often didn’t and put a spotlight on the shameless and insincere partisanship of politicians and pundits alike.

After 23 Emmys, three Peabody Awards, a best-selling book, and launching the careers of correspondents like Stephen Colbert and Jon Oliver, Stewart left the show in 2015, handing the hosting chair over to Trevor Noah.

And, as expected, while Noah’s tenure on the show was perfectly fine, it never reached the same level of cultural impact that his predecessor achieved.

Thus brings us to 2024.

After bringing back fan favorites David Tennant and Catherine Tate for a brief spin in the TARDIS, Davies has introduced a new Doctor for “Doctor Who’s” upcoming 2024 season.

Meanwhile, “The Daily Show” has been without a permanent host for more than a year now as Noah left and Comedy Central can’t seem to figure out who to replace him with.

Until now, as it was recently announced that Stewart will be returning, at least once a week as host of the Monday night program.

I don’t expect either of these returns to usher in a second renaissance for either program, but I have to admit I’m more interested in them now than I have been in years.

It makes you wonder what else from the 00s could make a comeback? Is it time for Bryan Cranston to inexplicably reprise his role as Walter White? Will Hugh Laurie come back for more “House?” Can we get a revival for “Fringe” and “Leverage?”

We almost had a reboot of “True Blood” before it got canned in development by HBO.

How far can history repeating itself go?

— Travis Fischer is a news writer for the Charles City Press and thinks this is the time for “Spectacular Spider-Man” to finally get its conclusion.