Jon Stewart is back at work with HBO deal

LOS ANGELES — Jon Stewart has set a four-year production pact with HBO that calls for him to produce short-form video content for HBO's digital platforms. The deal also includes a first-look option for film and TV projects.

HBO has long been rumored as the next stop for "The Daily Show" anchor who signed off of Comedy Central's flagship show in August after a 17-year run.

The first project under the HBO pact involves Stewart working with cloud graphics company OTOY Inc. on what is described as a new technology to allow him to produce "timely" short-form video content to be featured on HBO Now, the newly launched stand-alone broadband service, multiple times a day.

"Jon Stewart led a revolution that changed the face of TV comedy on the 'Daily Show,' " said Michael Lombardo, HBO's president of original programming. "He graced our network nearly 20 years ago, so we're thrilled to welcome back his immense talents in this next chapter of his career."

Stewart has said in recent interviews that he does not miss anchoring the nightly faux newscast. But the biz has been awaiting his next move.

"Appearing on television 22 minutes a night clearly broke me. I'm pretty sure I can produce a few minutes of content every now and again," Stewart said.

Stewart made his directorial debut with the 2014 feature "Rosewater."