Tuesday’s massive press reaction to Trevor Noah’s debut as the new host of The Daily Show is the latest sign that those in media see it as one of the most influential and popular programs on TV, even though it only appeals to a very specific group of viewers that has declined over the last few years.

The show “always had limited appeal; it just happens that the appeal included the New York media elite,” FivethirtyEight’s Harry Enten wrote earlier this year when the shows previous host, Jon Stewart, announced his retirement.