• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, July 25, 2012

In January, when asked whether Jon Stewart would re-sign with Comedy Central to keep doing “The Daily Show,” network chief Doug Herzog suggested yes -- if Stewart wanted to keep doing political-type commentary. If he wanted a new challenge in a new arena, Stewart might make a different decision.

Stewart opted to remain in his “anchor” chair, agreeing to a contract extension through 2015. Stephen Colbert, his late-night Comedy Central companion, has also signed an extension to continue his Bill O’Reilly-type masquerade through 2014.

Stewart’s role also includes executive producer and writer duties. Colbert carries similar roles beyond hosting “The Colbert Report.”

Both shows were recently nominated for multiple Emmy Awards and have shown ratings increases.

In January, Herzog joked: “I worry constantly about a future without Jon Stewart because that looks like a future without me.”