What’s Next for Jon Stewart After ‘Daily Show’ Goodbye?

Also stopping by was John Oliver, who had just launched into a detailed recollection of his time at “The Daily Show” when Stewart suggested he wrap it up. Instead, Stewart presided over a loose, affectionate, energetic sendoff, a tribute to the man who has been the face and voice of a show that has helped blend politics and pop culture like nothing else.

Fox News Channel, one of Stewart’s favorite targets through the years, was one of the institutions that Stewart had noted on Wednesday was as strong today despite his comedic barbs.

Even Stewart’s replacement, Noah, came through the studio with a tape measure to size up the desk he’ll take over next month.

A crying Jon Stewart repeated quietly, “We’ll be right back”. Unbeknownst to him, Colbert arranged for a surprise, off-prompter moment to truly thank Stewart for everything he had done for the people that worked for him and for the country.

Naturally, there was a comical kicker. He then got serious with thanks for Stewart. “There was a monologue that called for viewers to continue his battle against “[BS]”.

Many were already missing Stewart’s wit as Thursday’s Republican debate ended moments after the final, pre-taped show went on air. The Daily Show won 18 Emmy Awards in as many years. Colbert hung around long enough for a tortured Lord Of The Rings bit (“I’m Sam, you’re Frodo, because one of us is adult size and does not have hairy toes”) before slathering Stewart with goo: “We owe you“, Colbert said, and I’m pretty certain he spoke without irony, “because we learned from you – how to do a show with clarity, how to treat people with respect. “.

As for his departure, Stewart preferred to think of it, he said, not as an ending, but a break. The latter brought everyone to the stage to hug and dance, with Stewart dancing with his children, then kissing them on the top of their heads.

Peter Knox, who was in the audience, said Stewart addressed the camera with a “parting sermon on recognizing the B.S.in everything”.

He also played the final part of “Born to Run”.

For late-night television, it’s been a big year of goings and comings.

Stewart thanked all of his onscreen correspondents and contributors, saying that they had made it hard to screw the show up.

Those words were not the end of Thursday’s show, either.

On Thursday, Stewart was more hopeful about the power of satire.

He has said that he’s leaving the best job he’s ever had because he wants to spend more time with his wife and kids. John McCain, presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Lindsey Graham and, of course, Fox News host Bill O’Reilly, who with typical bluster urged Stewart to “have fun feeding your rabbits, quitter” – a reference to the comedian’s plans to open an animal sanctuary in New Jersey.

“I never left”, Carell said, “becoming an worldwide superstar was just something I did while waiting for my next assignment”. Might “The Donald” have changed Stewart’s mind?

He has built up a massive following across the world since he first hit US screens in 1999 and is best known for his fake-news persona, razor-sharp wit and intense questioning capable of making hardened politicians squirm.