The most horrifying news from the weekend?

Well, it's Tuesday now, so cooler heads have probably prevailed, but when I read this story in Sunday's New York Times, I almost did a spit-take on my computer monitor:

The Executive Producer of ‘The Daily Show’ and ‘The Colbert Report’ Is Leaving

But... but... but - I've fallen back in love with the show ever since joining DVR Nation (not to be confused with Colbert Nation, of course) and making sure I never miss an episode (which I'd been doing with disturbing regularity through most of the summer and early fall).

What would Ben Karlin's departure do to The Daily Show and The Colbert Report? And this might be when we need those shows the most! We've got a presidential campaign coming up!

Of course, both of those shows could also benefit from a fresh take on things and a different approach. No one's dumb enough to change what clearly works. And other talent - Steve Carell, Ed Helms, Rob Corddry - has left The Daily Show (or rocked out a spin-off) without stopping the machine. And hey, it's not like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are leaving.

Then there was a follow-up in yesterday's NYT which seemed to bring some peace, love, and understanding to anyone who might have worried:

Producer of ‘Daily Show’ and ‘Colbert’ Cites Other Projects as He Steps Aside

So Karlin's contract was about to expire, and he decided that was a great time to step away - something he'd been considering and discussing for a while. And he's working on a book, which is something I can certainly (enviously) get behind. Plus, he'll still be involved with both shows, so the "formula" is still in place while replacements are slotted in.

All appears to be well. We can rest without anxiety. And still enjoy our 11 p.m. to midnight TV viewing. (Meanwhile, my computer monitor remains coffee spit-free.)