Stewart’s sign-off Thursday coincidentally falls on the same night as the much anticipated GOP debate where headline maker Donald Trump leads the pack of several presidential hopefuls.
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He added that his show had arguably been harder on the administration than Fox had during Bush’s eight-year presidency. But, rather than going out with an embodiment of what the show was known for – offering an informed, yet humorous take on the current state of global affairs – Stewart’s last 45 minutes were, in large part, essentially a montage of… well, everyone that’s been associated with the show, even peripherally, since its incarnation.
“Guess what? Stewart said at the show’s opening”. “I’ve got a lot of ideas, a lot of things in my head. This is it”.
For his final monologue, Stewart addressed the camera and announced that “bullsh*t is everywhere”, running down various issues that the U.S. and world at large are now facing.
South African comedian Trevor Noah replaces Stewart as host next month, inheriting most of the same staff.
Some of Stewart’s comedy targets appeared in cameos to get in a final word. “What a bummer”.
Sen. John McCain hurled insults from behind a puppet of Stewart before revealing himself and declaring, “So long, jackass”.
Stewart closed with an emotional thanks to his co-workers and the Daily Show audience, who he said kept him going on days he felt like the show wasn’t all there.
Stewart’s last waltz on Thursday was notable because it capped off his successful TV career and provided a coming-of-age moment for so many viewers who grew up with his political commentary.
Craig Kilborn, who hosted “The Daily Show” before Stewart, also had something to say.
The requisite musical sendoff came courtesy of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
The show ended with a segue into the finale of “Born to Run” as crew, staff and performers flooded the stage to dance. First in line was Chad Lance, a 27-year-old musician from Philadelphia who said he arrived at 2:30 a.m., who said he couldn’t wait to see what happened. “This is it, this is the final episode”. They were sworn to secrecy before leaving, although some couldn’t wait to spill the beans.
“From start to finish, it was fantastic”, said audience member Randy Gunnell, 29, of Westchester, N.Y. He acknowledged the kind of B.S. that wasn’t harmful, white lies that “keeps people from making each other cry all day“.
“From “The Daily Show” anchor desk, Jon Stewart dissected the news with blistering wit and wisdom as millions watched”, said the Newseum’s Senior Vice President of Exhibits and Programs, Cathy Trost, said in a statement. Colbert basically was chasing him in his own rolling chair.
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Stewart had an interesting way of preparing, or not, for each one.
