Jon Stewart: Saying Goodbye, and Goodnight, to ‘The Daily Show’

Jon Stewart took a bow Thursday night, but dedicated the bulk of his final episode as host of The Daily Show to the correspondents and behind-the-scenes teams who made the Comedy Central series happen in the 16 years he was at the helm.

Stewart’s last episode was a celebratory reunion of sorts, with emotional moments, plenty of gags and a satisfying, touching send off capped with a finale Moment of Zen, courtesy Bruce Springsteen.

Stewart took over as host of The Daily Show in January 11, 1999 and began his domination of late-night TV. He’s welcomed a bevy of Hollywood celebrities (George Clooney), politicians (President Obama), and inspirational figures (Malala Yousafzai) on his show, and highlighted news with comical and satirical aplomb (alongside special correspondents).

Here, we highlight tributes to Jon Stewart by friends and former colleagues and profiles on the famous alums who “graduated” from the show. Plus, we analyze which comedic host is most likely poised to take over late night TV.

Tributes From Friends and Former Colleagues

We asked some of the biggest names in comedy to tell us what they learned from Stewart:

• John Oliver: “If he ever needs me to hide a body for him, I’ll do it.”
• Kristen Schaal: How I learned “to look at things much deeper because of Jon.”
• Samantha Bee: Why news of Jon’s departure was “a bit of a gut punch.”
• Rob Corddry: Watching Jon craft jokes through the years has “changed my life.”
• Rachael Harris: Here’s why Jon was really “supportive of my decision to leave.”
• Larry Wilmore: Jon “doesn’t have an ego when it comes to letting other people shine.”
• Lewis Black: When I met Jon, I asked, “Why does a good-looking guy need to do comedy?”

Jon Stewart’s Last Episode

• Critic Matt Roush: A Triumphant, No-Bulls— Last Hurrah
• Late Night Rewind: Clips From the Show (VIDEO)

Looking Back at The Daily Show

• Through the Years With Jon Stewart (1999-2015)
• Late Night Rewind: Jon Stewart on His Legacy (VIDEO)

More Distinguished Alums of The Daily Show

• The Funniest Graduates From The Daily Show of Comedy

The Future of Late Night TV

• Who Will Dominate Late Night After Jon Stewart?

More About Jon Stewart and The Daily Show

• President Obama’s Final Interview With Jon Stewart
• Watch All of Obama’s Appearances on The Daily Show
• Trevor Noah to Succeed Jon Stewart as the New Host
• Jon Stewart’s Tribute to David Letterman
• Jon Stewart’s Program to Help Veterans Work on TV

From TV Guide Magazine

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