Jon Stewart leaving ‘The Daily Show’
LOS ANGELES–Jon Stewart, who turned his biting and free-wheeling humor into an unlikely source of news and analysis for viewers of The Daily Show, will leave as host this year, Comedy Central said.
His departure was announced by Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless after Stewart, host of the show since 1999, broke the news to the audience at Tuesday’s taping in New York.
“Through his unique voice and vision, The Daily Show has become a cultural touchstone for millions of fans and an unparalleled platform for political comedy that will endure for years to come,” Ganeless said in a statement.
She called Stewart, 52, a “comic genius.” He will remain as host until later this year, she said, but did not specify his exit date or what led to his decision.
Stewart leaves a substantial void for Comedy Central, which has no heir apparent to replace him.
For political junkies who depended on Stewart for his acumen as well as comic relief, the 2016 presidential election may be looking bleak.
Stewart took a several-months-long hiatus in 2013 to direct Rosewater, a well-reviewed film about an Iranianborn journalist who was imprisoned for 118 days in Tehran and accused of being a spy. The Comedy Central statement did not indicate what his plans are after leaving.
In a November interview with The Associated Press for Rosewater, Stewart was asked about his future with the Comedy Central show. He replied that the format he works in doesn’t matter.
“It’s a journey. It’s a conversation,” he said. “One thing I won’t do is write music or sing.”