Jon Stewart, Master Satirist, Leaves “The Daily Show” After 16 Years
August 7, 2015
Thursday, August 6, marked the last time Jon Stewart appeared on cable television network Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” where he had wielded comedy and satire as weapons for skewering politicians and media figures for 16 years. Stewart took over “The Daily Show” from its former host, Craig Kilborn, in 1999. Under Stewart’s tenure, the show became a surprisingly well-trusted source of news and commentary. Despite Stewart’s tendency toward silliness and vulgarity, many journalists admired his ability to effectively explain complex news events. Stewart often expressed genuine anger at perceived injustices and dishonesty, which many viewers found an appealing change of pace from bland news reports and political performances.
Jon Stewart hosted his final “Daily Show” on Comedy Central on Aug. 6, 2015, after 16 years. © Getty Images
News reporters and politicians were typically the targets of Stewart’s attacks. A liberal, Stewart directed much of his mockery to Republican politicians and the conservative Fox News network. But he also attacked less partisan figures and institutions. The banking and health care industries were frequent targets of Stewart’s criticism, and he often accused more liberal news networks of timidly shirking their journalistic responsibilities.
Stewart also used his show as a platform for activism. For example, analysts have credited “The Daily Show” for pressuring Congress to pass a 2010 bill providing federally funded health care for firefighters, police officers, and other first responders who worked during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. However, Stewart himself often acknowledged that his show failed to influence events, and occasionally mocked those who he thought overstated his influence.
Stewart’s tenure on “The Daily Show” was also notable for its colorful cast of correspondents. They included such comedians as Stephen Colbert, Larry Wilmore, and John Oliver—all of whom went on to host their own satirical news shows.
On the final episode, Stewart gave a characteristically vulgarity-laced monologue, urging his audience to resist society’s peddlers of phoniness. Stewart then received farewells—often sarcastic ones—by a crowd of his friends and, in some cases, his rivals, including Fox News personality Bill O’Reilly and Republican Congressman John McCain. Stephen Colbert veered away from his Lord of the Rings-themed scripted remarks to gave a heartfelt send-off, thanking Stewart for setting an inspiring example. The South African comedian Trevor Noah will take over as host of “The Daily Show,” on September 28.
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