Beloved TV host Jon Stewart is reportedly leaving his post on The Daily Show.
AV Club reports that Stewart let the news slip at today’s taping of The Daily Show, with some sources who were in attendance taking to social media to spread the news. Comedy Central confirmed that Stewart would be leaving the show in a statement released via the company’s Twitter account, though they pointed out that he would be staying at the helm of the program through later this year.
“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,” Comedy Central said. “He is a comic genius, generous with his time and talent, and will always be a part of the Comedy Central family.”
#JonStewart is retiring from @TheDailyShow, @ComedyCentral confirms. http://t.co/LwQdfJ9Jr8 via @CNNMoney pic.twitter.com/Y6UTsmVUX5
— CNN (@CNN) February 11, 2015
The statement also noted that The Daily Show would “endure for years to come,” suggesting that Jon Stewart won’t be the last host to sit behind the fake news desk. The Daily Show‘s Twitter account sent out a message to fans, noting that they should stay through the interview.
Tonight! For once, you wanna stay through the interview.
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) February 11, 2015
Stewart’s fans were quick to voice both their shock and disappointment on social media.
Jon Stewart leaving @TheDailyShow… Wonder if he decided that the world will get by all right now that we have @LastWeekTonight
— James A. Janisse (@JamesAJanisse) February 11, 2015
This is what I feel like now that Jon Stewart is leaving the #DailyShow pic.twitter.com/55l4VEsXHc
— Steven A. Cook (@stevenacook) February 11, 2015
Jon Stewart Will Leave @TheDailyShow This Year http://t.co/qB2EG3XwJ3 pic.twitter.com/P2oqluMdKb
— Patrick D. Herron (@pdherron) February 11, 2015
Stewart’s departure marks the second high profile loss for Comedy Central’s late night line-up in recent months, after Stephen Colbert left the network to helm the Late Show. It is unclear what Stewart’s future holds, although last year saw his directorial debut with the release of Rosewater, a film he notoriously took a sabbatical from The Daily Show to film. John Oliver stepped in to helm the show for Stewart, prompting his departure to head his own program, Last Week Tonight, on HBO.
Though The Daily Show premiered on July 21, 1996, Jon Stewart took over as host in January, 1999, and has helmed the show ever since.
[Image via Twitter/ @TheAtlantic]