'The Daily Show'Jon Stewart leaves after 16 years Thursday August 6, 2015

 

After 16 years, Jon Stewart(52) has sadly announced he is stepping down as host of The Daily Show.

The Comedy Central star broke the news during a new episode taping on Tuesday, Feb.09,2015
"Seventeen years is the longest I have ever in my life held a job by 16 years and five months," he told the live studio audience. "The upshot there being, I am a terrible employee. But in my heart I know it is time for someone else to have that opportunity."
"It's been an absolute privilege [to host this show]. It's been the honor of my professional life. And I thank you for watching it. For hate-watching it. Whatever reason you were tuning in for. You get in this business with the idea that maybe you have a point of view and something to express, and to receive feedback from that is the greatest feeling you could ask for, and I thank you," he added.
Following his announcement, the network president, Michele Ganeless, confirmed his departure

Jon Stewart began hosting 'The Daily Show' in 1999 after Craig Kilborn left the program to replace Tom Snyder on 'The Late Late Show.'

Jon Stewart said goodbye to The Daily Show with songs by Bruce Springsteen and a reunion of the many colleagues that he worked with during 16 years as host

Jon Stewart's final 'The Daily show ' for Comedy Central was aired on Thursday August 6, 2015 

 

John Hodgman, Matt Walsh, Nancy Walls, Dan Bakkedahl, Rob Riggle, Samantha Bee, Aasif Mandvi, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Jordan Klepper, John Oliver, Ed Helms, Larry Wilmore, Rob Corddry, Olivia Munn, and Kristen Schaal

In his final week,Jon Stewart welcomed comedians Amy Schumer, Dennis Leary and Louis C.K. as his guests.

Comedy Central ran a marathon of the program all day Thursday, with corespondents Jessica Williams, Hasan Minhaj and Jordan Klepper revisiting some of the most popular segments.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday afternoon declared August 6 as The Daily Show with Jon Stewart day.

Finally, shortly before the show aired, they even had some fun with their detractors, writing; 'It's Jon Stewart's last day. Your last chance to complain he's ruining America.' 

John Bremner from New York City holds his ticket to the last taping of Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

A woman passes out posters of Stewart to fans waiting in line to view the taping of the last The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Bruce Springsteen poses for a selfie with fans outside The Daily Show studio on Thursday

Jon Stewart and his replacement Trevor Noah at the afterparty for Stewart's final show

Jon Stewart's replacement Trevor Noah and his girlfriend arrive for Thursday's taping

Trevor Noah replaces Stewart as host next month, inheriting most of the same staff. Noah appeared on Stewart's finale with measuring tape, jokingly checking out the set