During his 2,600-episode, 15-year reign, Stewart turned the late-night comedy show into a primary source of news for millions of Americans.
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The hashtag #JonVoyage was trending on Twitter as the final show aired.
“When you look at the talent that has passed though these doors, it would’ve been hard to screw this show up”, Stewart said.
The host announced months ago that he was restless and ready to move on, much to the disappointment of his fans, many of whom queued for hours in New York to get tickets for the recording.
As fun as doing The Daily Show for the past 17-ish years has been, Stewart admitted that it was the process that excited him most.
Genevieve Tang said, “What he’s done is so important it must go on, with or without him”. Unlike David Letterman who left late night for Big Sky Country, or Jay Leno who just started booking standup gigs, Stewart left the door open for a return to some sort of dialogue format. “Rather than saying goodbye or goodnight, I’m just going to say that I’m going to get a drink”, he said.
His moment finally came in 1999 when The Daily Show needed a new host to take over for Craig Kilborn. “I know you are not asking for this, but on behalf of so many people whose lives you changed over the last 16 years, thank you”. His Daily Show won 18 Emmy Awards in as many years.
After showing a plethora of headlines praising him for “eviscerating”, “pummeling” or “crushing” the show’s targets, Stewart attempted to take a victory lap, replaying footage of his commentary criticizing, among other things, lax prosecution against the banking industry.
Jeff Vasquez, 31, and Mike Kerrigan, 26, both drove down from Rhode Island and waited in line from 9:30 a.m.to see Stewart off on Wednesday.
The Daily Show has long been considered Comedy Central’s crown jewel, winning 10 Emmys in a row for Outstanding Variety Series from 2003 to 2012, which is more than any other show.
Fox News Channel chairman Roger Ailes, whose network remained intact despite Stewart’s “pulverizing” blows, said that Stewart was a brilliant comedian and nice guy who has a bitter view of the world. “And seeing Jon leave, I don’t think Jon appreciates the effect he’s had on people”. “But we have given it our all each single time”.
The episode concluded with one final moment of zen: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s first performance together in over a year.
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Stewart says his “Daily” goodbye (USA Today): “As a bonus, Stewart then introduced a pre-taped reel of faux-insults from people he’s mocked, from Hillary Clinton and Wolf Blitzer to the president of Arbys and John McCain – who wrapped up the segment with a Jon Stewart puppet on his hand and a growled ‘So long, jackass”.
