Jon Stewart will leave his popular "The Daily Show" series by year's end after 16 years of skewering politicians on the Comedy Central news show, which will go down in broadcast history as one of the most popular and most provocative satire programs.
"He's been a really significant part of the civic conversation," said Robert Thompson, a professor at Syracuse University and director of the Bleier Center for Television & Popular Culture, stated in a report. "He and his colleagues at 'The Daily Show' did in a comedic mode what the folks at CBS, CNN et al should have been doing in a journalistic mode."
In issuing the announcement at the end of his program Tuesday night Stewart said it's just time to relinquish the reins.
"In my heart I know it's time for someone else to have the opportunity," Stewart stated. "This show doesn't deserve any even slightly restless host, and neither do you."
No specific final show date has been set, according to Comedy Central President Michele Ganeless. In a statement on the announcement Ganeless described Stewart's program as a cultural touchstone and unparalleled platform for political comedy.
Its penchant for drawing huge newsmakers as guests, and Stewart's zingers regarding news assessment, as well as critical eye on the news industry overall, created a massive fan base during the years. According to a recent Pew research report 12 percent of his audience view his show as a political news outlet.
The sometimes acerbic, and consistently witty host, first sat in the Daily Show anchor chair in 1999, following in the footsteps of Craig Kilborn.
During his hosting time the show won 15 Emmy awards with 50 nominations on the books. The program won two Peabody Awards, in 2000 and 2004, for its presidential election coverage.
Stewart's contract expires next September, and during his statement to viewers he said he does not yet have any plans regarding his next career move.
"I'm not going anywhere tomorrow," he said, during the three-minute announcement in which he clearly showed emotion in sharing the news with his audience. At one point, according to a news report, Stewart literally had to hold back tears while telling the audience about his decision and how he is looking forward to spending more time with his family. In response one audience member shouted loud and clear, "We love you John."
