This is the end of another era on The Daily Show.
On Thursday night, the comedian surprised audiences by announcing that he would soon be leaving his role as host.
Noah broke the news during the recording of the latest episode, reflecting on the then-seventh anniversary with the talk show.
“One of the main feelings I experience… is a feeling of gratitude,” he said to open the five-minute speech.
“There are so many people who put this together, and I want to thank the audience for seven incredible years. It’s been wild.
“I remember when we first started, so many people didn’t believe in us. It was a crazy bet to make. I still think it was a crazy choice…
“What a journey.”
Noah started his career with The Daily Show after working as a broadcast correspondent for the program in 2014.
He took over former host John Stewart less than a year later.
“This is something I never expected, and I find myself thinking all the time, everything we’ve been through — the Trump presidency, the pandemic, just travel, more and more pandemics,” Noah said Thursday.
“And I realized that after these seven years, my time was up. But in the most beautiful way, to be honest.”
Noah added:
“I love being a presenter. That has been one of my biggest challenges. It is one of my greatest joys.
“I enjoy trying to find ways to make people laugh even when the story is so—– on the worst days. We’ve laughed together, we’ve cried together.
“But after seven years, I feel it’s time.”
The South African native ended his speech by pledging that he would not “disappear.”
He also admitted that he missed “learning another language” and “going to another country and putting on a show” – before thanking the audience one last time for their loyalty over the years.
The Daily Show premiered in 1996 with Craig Kilborn as host. Jon Stewart took over from 1999 to 2015 and then he handed the government to Noah.
We should note that it is not clear when Noah will leave his post.
“We thank Trevor for our incredible partnership over the past seven years.
“Without a scheduled departure, we are working together on the next steps,” Comedy Central said in a statement on Sept. 29.
“As we look forward, we are excited for the next chapter in The Daily Show’s 25+ year history as it continues to redefine culture through sharp and humorous social commentary, helping audiences understand the world around them.”