Comedy Central has announced the surprising news that Jon Stewart will be stepping down from The Daily Show.
Thank you Jon. pic.twitter.com/yPdxjnkuLw
— Comedy Central (@ComedyCentral) February 10, 2015
The AV Club reports, via audience members, that Stewart announced his plans for retirement during tonight’s show’s taping.
Stewart has been behind the desk of the Comedy Central tentpole since taking over hosting duties from Craig Kilborn in 1999. Watching his brand of political satire and talent for reporting the news with comedy have become long-established nightly rituals, and he will be sorely missed as the head of The Daily Show.
More details, as they become available.
(via Variety)
Updated: February 11, 12:45 p.m. : Waiting until the end of last night’s telecast, Jon Stewart confirmed the news that he is leaving The Daily Show after seventeen years. Specific details as to when and why are sparse, but Stewart did seem to hint that the show will move on with a new host at some point in the next year, and that his reason for leaving has to do with The Daily Show deserving more than “an even slightly restless host.”
You can watch the clip below, which ends with that oft-repeated “Moment of Zen” where the monkey washes the cat. Try to keep it together, everyone.
