Comedian Jon Stewart is calling it quits at “The Daily Show.”
The longtime Comedy Central staple told his audience during a Tuesday taping that his 16-year-run will come to and end soon and the network issued a confirming statement later in the evening.
“For the better part of the last two decades, I have had the incredible honor and privilege of working with Jon Stewart. His comedic brilliance is second to none. Jon has been at the heart of Comedy Central, championing and nurturing the best talent in the industry, in front of and behind the camera,” Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless said in the statement, first reported by Entertainment Weekly.
“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. He is a comic genius, generous with his time and talent, and will always be a part of the Comedy Central family,” Ms. Ganeless continued.
Ms. Ganeless said that Mr. Stewart will step down sometime later this year. Mr. Stewart has been helming “The Daily Show,” a political comedy show, since 1999 during which time it has won 19 Emmy Awards.
There was no immediate word on Mr. Stewart’s next move, or of what’s in store for the “The Daily Show,” which was initially helmed by Craig Kilborn.
The move also comes at an awkward time for Comedy Central since its other popular late-night “news” host, Stephen Colbert, left his show “The Colbert Report” just a few weeks ago. Mr. Colbert will move to CBS as David Letterman’s replacement.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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