Comic wants to return to stand-up

Trevor Noah is stepping back from The Daily Show after seven years.

The South African-born comedian made the announcement on the Comedy Central show, which he has hosted since taking over from Jon Stewart in 2015.

He told viewers last night: ‘I realised after the seven years, my time is up. But in the most beautiful way. 

‘Honestly. I’ve loved hosting this show. It’s been one of my greatest challenges. One of my greatest joys. I’ve loved trying to figure out how to make people laugh particularly when the stories are shitty on the worst days.

‘We’ve laughed together, we’ve cried together. But after seven years, I feel like it’s time, you know?’

And speaking of doing the show during lockdown, he added: ‘I spent two years in my apartment, not on the road, stand-up was dead. And when I got back out there again, I realised there’s another part of my life I wanted to carry on exploring. I miss learning other languages, I miss going to other countries, I miss putting on shows…’

Comedy Central said in a statement: ‘We are grateful to Trevor for our amazing partnership over the past seven years. With no timetable for his departure, we’re working together on next steps.’

His announcement follows the news that James Corden is also stepping down from his Late Late Show on CBS to return to the UK.

No replacement for Noah has yet been announced.

The Daily Show airs on Comedy Central in UK, too – but because of the time difference, it airs at around 3.30am. Episodes are also available on catch-up and via streaming service Now TV.
 

Published: 30 Sep 2022