With an extended Thursday night finale that mixed the Daily Show’s usual biting humor with a totally unusual dose of sentiment, Stewart’s sixteen year run as host of Comedy Central’s late night staple came to an end.
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Stewart’s final show was dedicated to thanking all of those who had been apart of his “Daily Show” ride, and concluded, fittingly, with Bruce Springsteen’s live performance for Stewart’s final moment of zen.
Colbert, of course went from being a Daily Show correspondent, to getting his own show, to taking over for David Letterman who also called it quits this year.
“You are infuriatingly good at your job”, he said between hilarious jabs and heartwarming recollections of the past.
His so-called “frenemies” included CNN’s Wolf Blitzer who wished him well, while the screen behind him read: ‘Screw you, Stewart’. John McCain declared, “So long, jacka**”.
And Hilary Clinton voiced some relief that Stewart is quitting at the same time she launches her Presidential run.
As for his departure, Stewart preferred to think of it, he said, not as an ending, but a break. Colbert surprised Stewart by going off teleprompter with a heartfelt thanks.
Stewart has always claimed that he is nothing more than a comedian doing a comedy show, but when you examine the influence he has had on media and politics watchers, it is clear that he’s been so much more. “We owe you because we learn from you”.
In the second segment, Stewart’s enemies, including his sparring partners Bill O’Reilly and Sen.
“So I say to you tonight, friends, the best defense against bullsh- is vigilance”, he declares. He added, “So rather than saying goodbye or good night, I’m just going to say I’m gonna go get a drink”.
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“The best defence against bulls*** is vigilance so if you can smell something, say something“. “That’s how I feel about #JonVoyage @TheDailyShow thank you, Jon“. “A dialogue. And I really like that metaphor for many different reasons”. Financially, he is set for the rest of his life and then some.
