Entertainment
JON STEWART QUITTING DAILY SHOW
NETWORK CONFIRMS HIS EXIT
Jon Stewart
USPA NEWS -
Another late-night host is calling it quits: Jon Stewart told his audience Tuesday that he'll step down from Comedy Central's The Daily Show sometime before the end of this year. His contract expires in September.
Stewart said he has no plans, but "a lot of ideas," and hinted at reasons for his departure after what will be 17 years on the job: "This show doesn't deserve an even slightly restless host, and neither do you."
The network confirmed his planned exit with a statement from president Michele Ganeless, and said it will replace him: "For the better part of the last two decades, I have had the incredible honor and privilege of working with Jon Stewart. His comedic brilliance is second to none. Jon has been at the heart of Comedy Central, championing and nurturing the best talent in the industry, in front of and behind the camera.
The network confirmed his planned exit with a statement from president Michele Ganeless, and said it will replace him: "For the better part of the last two decades, I have had the incredible honor and privilege of working with Jon Stewart. His comedic brilliance is second to none. Jon has been at the heart of Comedy Central, championing and nurturing the best talent in the industry, in front of and behind the camera.
The Daily Show has become a cultural touchstone for millions of fans and an unparalleled platform for political comedy that will endure for years to come."
Stewart, 52, had been hinting at his restlessness while promoting Rosewater, his directorial debut, last fall, telling NPR he'd never find another job he's as well suited for. "That being said, I think there are moments when you realize that that's not enough anymore, or maybe it's time for some discomfort.
"Still, the timing of the news was a surprise, coming just weeks after December's ending of Stephen Colbert's The Colbert Report, which Stewart produced, to succeed David Letterman at CBS in September.
Stewart, 52, had been hinting at his restlessness while promoting Rosewater, his directorial debut, last fall, telling NPR he'd never find another job he's as well suited for. "That being said, I think there are moments when you realize that that's not enough anymore, or maybe it's time for some discomfort.
"Still, the timing of the news was a surprise, coming just weeks after December's ending of Stephen Colbert's The Colbert Report, which Stewart produced, to succeed David Letterman at CBS in September.
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