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.
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Jon Stewart fans – which included Bruce Springsteen, Stephen Colbert and John Oliver – converged on a Manhattan studio Thursday to say goodbye to his “Daily Show“.
Last year, Jon was able to spend time away from “The Daily Show” to direct his first feature, “Rosewater“, and explained to “Extra” why he wanted to direct. He has such a great reason, we won’t be surprised if he continues to direct in the future. (He also used a familiar and much stronger epithet.). Feces, said Stewart, using another term for it, is everywhere.
He also provides this basic rule: “So whenever something’s been titled freedom, family, fairness, health, America: Take a good long sniff”.
The only way to combat the relentless intrusions of dishonest people, Stewart said, was through vigilance. “‘Their work is easily detected, and looking for it is kind of a pleasant way to pass the time, ‘ he said”. He left us with politically savvy advice, reminding viewers to stay vigilant: “If you smell something, say something”. They were soon joined by a returning Samantha Bee, Lewis Black, Steve Carell, Vance DeGeneres, Mo Rocca, Matt Walsh and an angry Larry Wilmore, whose “Nightly Show” got bumped for an extended finale for Stewart.
Stewart, in turn, paid tribute to all the people who had helped him to do “The Daily Show“. Bill O’Reilly and Hillary Clinton provided taped bits, with the Democratic presidential contender saying of his retirement: “Just when I’m running for president, what a bummer”.
After all that, Stewart had a one more parting thank you gift for the audience, a last speech to camera 3 – on “bullshit”.
“When he is going on all cylinders that show could be absolutely breathtaking and really informative and important to the civic conversation”, said Robert Thompson, director of Syracuse University’s Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture.
“So long jackass”, McCain said with a laugh. Here’s the thing, Jon, you said to me and to many other people here years ago, never to thank you because we owe you nothing. You’re infuriatingly good at your job.
Stewart half-heartedly riffed on the GOP debate that took place after the taping in Cleveland, calling it “so articulate”. The show began in 1996 with Craig Kilborn as the host. Stewart was not quite as laceratingly original in his style as Colbert, a never-ending piece of performance art, or as Letterman, with his never-ending mordant irony, but he was more human and more humane. And Trevor Noah – who came out to measure Stewart’s desk – certainly has his work cut out for him.
Jon Stewart’s made a lot of frenemies throughout the years, and they gathered to bid him farewell. “Especially lovely was a piece about the staff (and dogs) of “The Daily Show“, set to the tune, “(And) Then He Kissed Me”. “It’s being challenged in the courts”.
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But in an interview earlier this week, Ganeless said Stewart has had no second thoughts about leaving the anchor desk. “And I’ve made peace with it”. Stewart said he admired how the songwriter described his career as an ongoing conversation with his fans. “Nothing ever ends…it’s been a privilege”. “It’s just a continuation”. Another frenemy, Gov. Christie, said, “I’ll never forget you Jon, but I’ll… try”.
