Jon Stewart, the comedian who has become a highly influential figure in American politics, is leaving The Daily Show sometime this year.
Stewart let the news slip during this evening's taping of the show.
The A.V. Club first reported the news and Comedy Central confirmed it, saying Stewart would step down "later this year."
"Jon has been at the heart of Comedy Central, championing and nurturing the best talent in the industry, in front of and behind the camera," Michele Ganeless, Comedy Central's president, said in a statement. "Through his unique voice and vision, The Daily Show has become a cultural touchstone for millions of fans and an unparalleled platform for political comedy that will endure for years to come. Jon will remain at the helm of 'The Daily Show' until later this year. He is a comic genius, generous with his time and talent, and will always be a part of the Comedy Central family."
The A.V. Club quoted audience members saying Stewart said he was "retiring."
Comedy Central's other towering figure of political satire, Stephen Colbert, ended his own run on The Colbert Report, last year.
Colbert is taking over for David Letterman in September.
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