In a shocking announcement, Trevor Noah told viewers at the end of Thursday’s episode of “The Daily Show” that he was leaving the show.
No date was given for his exit and no possible successor was announced. Watch their announcement above.
Noah began by noting that this week marks the 7th anniversary of his and Roy Wood, Jr.’s joining the show. He also celebrated his work with correspondent Ronnie Chiang, who stood on stage. “You know, a lot of people didn’t believe us. It was a crazy bet to make. I mean, I still think it was a crazy choice, you know? Just a random African and Malaysian bringing a Chinese man from here,” said Noah
“Chinese people with accents,” joked Ching.
“And what a journey it has been. Every one of you who come to support us every day, everyone who has seen this show and then it has evolved around the world,” Noah continued, adding that Explaining that during a recent visit to India, he “found himself full. Gratitude for the trip. It’s been absolutely wonderful. It’s something I never expected. And I found myself thinking the whole time.” Found, you know, everything we’ve been through, the Trump presidency, the pandemic, the bus travel, you know, more pandemics. And then, and I realized that after seven years, my time was up.”
This caused mass gasps from the audience as Noah continued.
“I love hosting shows. This has been one of my biggest challenges. This has been one of my greatest joys. I love trying to figure out how to make people laugh, even when the stories are especially bright on the worst of days. You know, we’ve laughed together, we’ve cried together. But after seven years, I feel like the time has come.”
Noah indicated that, with the pandemic over, being able to do standup would make him want to return to that career. “When I got back there again, I realized there was another part of my life that I wanted to explore. I miss learning other languages. I miss going to other countries and doing shows. Just miss being everywhere, doing everything. And I’m really grateful to every single person who is here, even people who aren’t here right now, because they did great things that made us It helped to make it work,” he said.
“I’ve never been good at goodbyes,” Noah said. “And, it’s not instant. I’m not disappearing. Don’t worry. Even if I owe you your money, I’ll pay you. And I’m really grateful to a network that believed in this random comedian.” It was something that no one on this side of the world knew. The people of South Africa knew and loved me. Yes. You know? And yes, you know? Paramount has been amazing. ViacomCBS has been amazing.”
thank you noah Viacom confided in him, saying, “I’ve been fortunate to do a number of projects with him, and I’ve been inspired by new ways of expressing myself, you know? Whether it’s at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.” Be it hosting or doing different standup shows around the world, whatever, whatever. The thing is, I want to say thank you. And for you who watch it and for you who come, and ever -Sometimes you both do.”
“I never dreamed I’d be here. I felt like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I came last to tour the show, and then next thing I know, I was handed the keys. But I couldn’t have done it without you, and I didn’t want to do it without you. And so we’ll find out the time and the winds. We’ll be here for a while. But that’s all I can say. Thank you very much ,” Noah concluded with thunderous applause.
“We are grateful to Trevor for our wonderful partnership over the past seven years. With no timetable for him to leave, we are working on the next steps together. As we look forward, we will see ‘The Daily Excited for the next chapter in the show’s 25+ year history as it continues to redefine culture through scathing and hilarious social commentary, helping viewers understand the world around them ,” Comedy Central said in a statement.
Noah took over the show from Jon Stewart, who during the Bush and Obama years had turned into an unexpected late-night chat show for political commentary and criticism.
Noah’s representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment from TheWrap. Diversity first reported,
more to come…