Jon Stewart to Leave 'The Daily Show

Comedian Jon Stewart will leave "The Daily Show," Comedy Central announced Tuesday.

"For the better part of the last two decades, we have had the incredible honor and privilege of working with Jon Stewart," a statement released by the network said. "His comedic brilliance is second to none."

Image source: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

"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," it continued. "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."

Statement: @ComedyCentral confirms Jon Stewart is retiring from “The Daily Show” pic.twitter.com/61ZbnPutOj

— TheBlazeNOW (@TheBlazeNOW) February 10, 2015

"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 statement concluded.

Fans quickly tweeted the news after Stewart made the announcement at the start of Tuesday's taping.

Got to be present when the great @TheDailyShow Jon Stewart announced his retirement. #OneOfTheGreats #JonStewart

— Jonathan Reyes (@Jonathan2Reyes) February 10, 2015

My friend is at a taping of #TDS and he said Jon Stewart is leaving the show!! D:

— Josie (@fangirlfeminist)

February 10, 2015

Stewart was host of the critically-claimed comedy program for 16 years. His departure comes after Stephen Colbert announced he would leave "The Colbert Report" to take over for David Letterman.

—

Follow Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) on Twitter