After almost 17 years as host, satirist and political pot-stirrer, Jon Stewart presented his final Daily Show on US television on Thursday night, with Bruce Springsteen and Steve Carell among those taking part in the send-off.
Stewart used his swansong to focus on the work of those who helped make his tenure so memorable, including correspondents and former correspondents, writers, contributors and other team members from behind the scenes.
Among the many paying tribute were those who had been on the receiving end of the show's wit during Stewart's time in charge, including Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Republican Senator John McCain and Fox News presenter Bill O'Reilly.
One of the most moving tributes to Stewart came from former cast member Stephen Colbert who said: "You are infuriatingly good at your job."
He continued: "All of us, who were lucky enough to work with you – and you can edit this out later – all of us are all better at our jobs, because we got to watch you do yours. And we are better people for having known you. You are a great artist and a good man."
But in true Daily Show style, the Comedy Central programme's new host, Trevor Noah, measured Stewart's desk for size. He takes over next month.
Another highlight was a Goodfellas spoof which featured everyone who had worked with Stewart and a cameo by director Martin Scorsese.
Signing off, Stewart said: "Nothing ends, it's just a continuation, it's a pause in the conversation. Rather than saying goodbye or goodnight, I'm just going to say I'm gonna go get a drink, and I'm sure I'll see you guys before I leave."
As the show concluded, Springsteen and the E-Street Band played Land of Hope and Dreams and Born to Run, with Stewart's guests and co-workers taking to the stage to dance and hug him.
The end of an era
#JonVoyage #Staffgram Almost everyone. https://t.co/pxryCNPk81
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) August 7, 2015
Click here for TEN reasons why Jon Stewart rocked The Daily Show.
"You've been a great gift to the country." —President Obama to Jon Stewart on @TheDailyShow #JonVoyage pic.twitter.com/ku6QZx2nE1
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 6, 2015
Congratulations to Jon Stewart on an incredible achievement in comedy. Sadly, now it's back to getting all my news from Geraldo #DailyShow
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) August 6, 2015
Wish you all best, dude. Keep taking those fantastic pauses, inhales, slow squint then drop funny line... Love you, man. #jonvoyage
— Jerry Seinfeld (@JerrySeinfeld) August 7, 2015
Missing Jon Stewart already. #GOPdebate #JonVoyage -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 7, 2015
