The former Daily Show host’s return to the talk show space has ended prematurely as Apple has abandoned plans for an eight-episode third season of the Stewart-hosted series The Problem, sources confirm to The Hollywood Reporter (THR).

According to the New York Times, which first reported the news, the cancellation came after creative differences between the iPhone maker and Stewart over potential topics and guests for The Problem. The NYT reported that Stewart informed his staff Thursday that Apple pushed back on topics relating to China and artificial intelligence. Production on season three was already under way, with filming poised to begin shortly.

Sources tell THR that there had been tension between Apple and Stewart ahead of the show’s third season return over topics featured on The Problem. Those same sources note that Apple approached Stewart and informed the host that both sides needed to be “aligned” regarding topics on the show. Stewart, sources say, balked at the idea of being “hamstrung” by Apple, which threatened to cancel the series. Stewart, sources say, wanted to have full creative control of the series and, after Apple threatened to cancel the series, told the tech company that he was walking away from the show rather than have his hands tied.

During its two-season run, The Problem earned five Emmy nominations, including for talk series and writing. For more, read the full report from THR.

While Apple’s alleged pushback on China isn’t surprising, it is a little disturbing. 

Archive: Apple TV News