Wow. This is big. This is Charlize Theron big. Local comedian Trevor Noah will officially replace Jon Stewart on Comedy Central’s ‘Daily Show’ after joining the team as a correspondent only three appearances on the show. Comedy Central confirmed the news today after there was much speculation over the past three days that Trevor Noah was on the shortlist to take over from the retired host.
Jon Stewart hosted the show for 15 years and officially announced that he will step down as host in February this year. “You don’t believe it for the first few hours,” Noah told The New York Times, speaking from Dubai about receiving the news. “You need a stiff drink, and then unfortunately you’re in a place where you can’t really get alcohol.”
Trevor has appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman as well as The Tonight Show before starting as a correspondent on the Daily Show. Trevor has become the biggest comedian out of South Africa selling thousands of DVDs and shows around the country.
“I’m thrilled for the show and for Trevor,” Jon said in a statement. “He’s a tremendous comic and talent that we’ve loved working with.” Jon even revealed that he “may rejoin as a correspondent just to be a part of it!!!”
Michele Ganeless, the Comedy Central president, said that “You don’t hope to find the next Jon Stewart – there is no next Jon Stewart. So, our goal was to find someone who brings something really exciting and new and different.” She added that “He brings such a unique worldview and a deep understanding of human nature, which makes his comedy so insightful,” she added. “He’s truly a student of the world.”
It has been reported that Jon will step down sometime between June and the end of the year and Trevor will take over once those decisions have been made.
I am so so happy for him. I must be honest that his first stint as a correspondent didn’t blow me away, but seeing Trevor live and on DVD, I know he has what it takes to smash this new job and I don’t think Comedy Central could have picked a better man to replace Jon.
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