Jon Stewart shocked his "Daily Show" audience on Tuesday when he announced that he would soon end his run as host of Comedy Central program.
"Doug Herzog, Michele Ganeless of Comedy Central gave me the incredible opportunity 17 years ago to pilot this wonderful franchise. Seventeen years is the longest I have ever in my life held a job by sixteen years and five months. The upshot there being, I am a terrible employee. In my heart I know it is time for someone else to have that opportunity. Not right away, we're still working out details. I'm up in September. Might be around then, might be December, might be July. We're still working out the details. I don't have any specific plans. I got a lot of ideas. Got a lot of things. I'm going to have dinner, on a school night, with my family who I've heard from multiple sources are lovely people.
I'm not going to be here and try to sum up what this place has meant to me over the years. I couldn't do that and we have plenty of time and I've got a myriad of people to thank. We'll get to that over time. I'm not going anywhere tomorrow. This show doesn't deserve an even slightly restless hostless. I don't think I'm going to miss being on television everyday. I love the people here. They're the best. They're collaborative and kind. That's alliterative, but it's cheating because it's a "k," you understand what I'm saying. I love them so much."
Stewart then broke into his best Frankenstein impression as he started to tear up, but took back control and summed up his announcement.
"It's been an absolute privelege. It's been the honor of my professional life. I thank you for watching it. For hate-watching it. Whatever reason you're tuning in for... You get in this business with the idea that maybe you have a point of view to receive feedback from that is the greatest feeling I can ask for. And I thank you."
Stewart has hosted the late-night show since January 1999. "The Daily Show" first premiered with Craig Kilborn in July 1996.
Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless released this statement:
"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. 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. Jon will remain at the helm of 'The Daily Show' until later this year. He is a comic genius, generous with his time and talent, and will always be a part of the Comedy Central family."
Under Stewart's leadership, the Comedy Central show won 20 Emmy Awards and earned 55 nominations. The show won "Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series" for 10 consecutive years between 2003 and 2012.
"The Daily Show" also launched the careers of Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert. Stewart served as executive producer on "The Colbert Report," which wrapped up its run in December. He holds the same position for "The Nightly Show" hosted by Larry Wilmore, who previously served as the Senior Black Correspondent on "The Daily Show."
Stewart took a sabbatical in 2013 to direct his first film, "Rosewater," in Jordan. In his absence, correspondent John Oliver filled in as host and seemed heir-apparent for the job full-time after a successful three months behind the desk. HBO then offered him the "Last Week Tonight," which premiered its second season on Feb. 8.
