With the news that Jon Stewart plans to step down from his long-held position as the host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” we acknowledge that television is losing one of its key figures—someone who has managed to walk the fine line between comedy, news and incisive political insight. Naturally, the media has been clamoring to try and figure out who will be the next to fill the iconic roller chair, and now that fan favorite Jessica Williams (there’s an online petition) has officially announced that she doesn’t believe she’s qualified for the position and will be continuing her run as a correspondent, we’re left wondering just who Comedy Central will hire to take Stewart’s place. Here, Cadenza picks our five favorites take the spot.

Joel McHale attends the 2011 Film Independent Spirit Award Nominations held at London West Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, California on November 30, 2010.

Joel McHale

Kendall Carroll

Most people probably know Joel McHale from either his role as Jeff Winger on the ever-struggling but phenomenal “Community” or his smaller gig as the host of E!’s “The Soup.” Like most of the “Daily Show” team, including Stewart himself, McHale has a background in improvisational comedy with satire and a scathing dry wit being his forte.

His friendship with John Oliver, a recurring guest on “Community” and one of the most successful “Daily Show” alumni, might have contributed to the hype surrounding the possible move of McHale’s talent from the halls of Greendale Community College to New York’s most prestigious anchor desk.

When approached about the possibility of taking over the legendary news spoof show, McHale laughed it off with comments like “I don’t think I’m smart enough to do the job.” But just take a look at his political roasting at the 2014 White House Correspondents Dinner to see what McHale could bring to “The Daily Show.”

Amy Poehler

Lindsay Tracy

While everyone knows that Amy Poehler is a gift from the gods, not many people know exactly how diverse her talents are. Yes, she did play Leslie Knope for many years on the hit show “Parks and Recreation.” But she also was a part of the legendary Fey-Poehler Weekend Update duo on “Saturday Night Live.” And then again with the hilarious Poehler-Meyers Weekend Update team.

What’s the common factor there? One college-educated marvel with a background in improv and writing who’s already played most female political figures during her stint at “SNL.” She’s said numerous times that, with the ending of “Parks,” she wants to try new things and open doors.

Amy Poehler behind that desk would certainly be a door-opener, given the “middle-aged white male” typecast to which a lot of late-night shows subscribe. And with her talent and enthusiasm (and organizational skills), she would certain excel at it.

Wayne Brady attends the BET Honoros held at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014.

Wayne Brady

Wesley Jenkins

If you don’t know him by name and story, you know him by face. Wayne Brady is one of the most versatile comedians in Hollywood, ranging from improv on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” to scripted sets as Barney Stinson’s half-brother on “How I Met Your Mother.” Brady has also made guest spots on “30 Rock,” “Psych,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Reno 911” as well as writing and hosting his own show, “The Wayne Brady Show.”

The next logical step for Brady is to stop living in the shadow of the other comedians around him and take his talents to late night. He has the experience necessary for this type of gig and has proven time and again that he has the comedic chops, too.

Imagine “The Daily Show” with Brady deadpanning the world events of the day. Imagine Brady inventing songs about the very same world events. Imagine Brady inviting Colin Mochrie or Ryan Lewis or Jason Segal or James Roday or any of the other litany of comedians he knows to improvise with him.

There’s no need to try and find one singular funny person to shoulder the massive void left by Stewart when you can find a different funny person with a million connections. Not to mention that Brady has perfected the same type of exaggerated straight man that Jon Stewart has played for the last 16 years.

Will any of this come to fruition? Probably not, as Brady is not on anyone’s short list. Still, Brady would be a steady captain to guide the show into the coming years. His particular brand of humor is not that different from Stewart’s, and his demeanor isn’t exaggerated to be off-putting like many other comedians (ahem…Aziz Ansari). Let the points matter and give Wayne Brady “The Daily Show.”

Seth Meyers

Greer Russell

As seen behind the reporting table on the “SNL” segment “Weekend Update,” Seth Meyers fits the bill as the perfect “Daily Show” host. Although this stellar comedian currently hosts his own late night talk show, “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” one most often connects him to his work as a primary writer and performer on “SNL.”

Having this experience as a satirical reporter, Meyers would fill the host position with his talent of making the daily news a sensational story, or even just with flashes of his contagious smile. Considering he performs his own late-night show, what better way to spend his days? “The Daily Show” would be a treat, and perhaps some people would even become more aware of the news that occurs off campus thanks to his jokes.

Aziz Ansari announces nominations for the Golden Globe Awards on Dec. 12, 2013, in Los Angeles.

Aziz Ansari

Kayla Hollenbaugh

Ansari is renowned for his bright and lively stand-up style, a charming smile hiding comedy that hits at the heart of serious social issues like homophobia and racism (see his wonderful takedown of the proliferation of gay and Indian jokes at James Franco’s Comedy Central roast for reference). Of all the prospective hosts, he probably is one of the most prepared to handle the political along with the satirical, to make audiences laugh wildly before realizing they are laughing at the state of their own world.

Whether he has the gravitas or sincerity to communicate the importance of these issues is another question—viewers may not be able to separate him from the constantly goofy entrepreneur Tom Haverford. Either way, he has that same youthful exuberance that Stewart had and has the kind of following from “Parks” and his stand-up that would help to counter the inevitable drop in ratings that will come with Stewart’s departure. It would not only be a great way for Ansari to transition from his legendary “Parks” role but would also provide a fresh burst of energy and a new perspective to the desk.