Jon Stewart on Tuesday night announced his departure from the “The Daily Show” and thanked viewers for watching and “hate-watching” the show.
He said that while it was an “incredible opportunity,” he felt it was time for a new host.
“It is time for someone else to have that opportunity,” he said. “This show doesn’t deserve an even slightly restless host.”
Stewart said that he likely won’t leave until late in the year, possibly in September, and he said he did not have any specific plans for when he leaves the show.
“I’m going to have dinner on a school night with my family, who I have heard, from multiple sources, are lovely people,” he joked.
“I don’t think I’m going to miss being on television every day. I’m going to miss coming here everyday,” he continued. “I love the people here.”
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Stewart then fought back tears, yelling, “What is this fluid?! What are these feelings?!”
“It’s been an absolute privilege,” he said. “It’s been the honor of my professional life.”
Watch Stewart’s announcement via YouTube:
This post has been updated.
I got more truth (truthiness?) from Jon and Stephen than from any politician, news outfit, pundit…whatever. Without Jon doing tha Daily Show life will be cheapened. Measurably. He did his best to keep us honest.
He did that and even more. He launched and supported and encouraged others who will be continuing to bring wit and sense to news comedy, Colbert, Oliver, Mandvi, and many others. We’ll benefit from his stint at Comedy Central long after he is gone on to new venues. But … there won’t be another Jon Stewart; he’s a one-off.
I’m going to miss him so, so much
Makes the exchange with Bob Odenkirk from last week a little more revealing (at 4:13 in the video):
I’ve told friends for years that I would be crushed the day this came…
sometimes it seems like this show is the number one thing keeping me sane:
No matter how stupid, dishonest or weasely the politicians and media can be,
these writers & Jon could succinctly nail 'em
and give the rest of us a much needed laugh.
Thanks so much, Jon.