“The Daily Show” taped at the Athenaeum Center on Aug. 19, 2024. (Marc Vitali / WTTW News)

Night 1 of “The Daily Show” in Chicago is in the books. Taping wrapped Monday evening at the Athenaeum Center in Lakeview. The show was hosted by Michael Kosta with appearances by Jordan Klepper — who recalled his Chicago days at the iO improv theater — and Grace Kuhlenschmidt. Jon Stewart will host live on Thursday night.

Outside, hundreds of people lined up beside the theater. Across the street, five or six Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supporters waved flags and handed out brochures. Inside, a comedian warmed up the crowd with jokes about the White Sox and Jussie Smollett.

When the show began there was a playoff atmosphere as the audience loudly responded to every cue from the floor director. The noise from the hyped-up crowd was deafening. Fun, except when you couldn’t hear what was so funny.

In one taped segment, Klepper went barhopping in Wrigleyville with Gov. J.B. Pritzker. They hit the Gman Tavern and Murphy’s Bleachers and did a shot of Malort. Klepper asked the governor a tough question: “Is ‘The Bear’ a comedy or a drama?” Laughter from the audience drowned out the governor’s answer. Tune in tonight for the punchline.

The main guest was another governor, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. She spoke of her removable tooth and protecting the Great Lakes, and she plugged her book, “True Gretch.” Whitmer got her biggest laugh when Kosta asked what she believes former President Donald Trump will think of all the energy and optimism in Chicago this week. She answered, “I think it’s gonna hurt his brain.”