Why Did Trevor Noah Leave 'The Daily Show'?

Trevor Noah burst onto Comedy Central's The Daily Show in 2014 as the senior international correspondent before taking over from long-time host, Jon Stewart.

Noah, a South African comedian, writer, producer, actor and political commentator, covered a range of topics including Donald J. Trump's presidency, the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the riots of January 6, 2021, during his tenure on The Daily Show.

He also won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series after receiving 11 nominations during his time as host.

On September 29, 2022, Noah, 38, announced he would be stepping back from his role as host after seven years.

Newsweek has everything you need to know about exactly why Noah left The Daily Show.

Why Did Trevor Noah Leave The Daily Show?

Announcing his departure on The Daily Show on September 29, 2022, Noah shared with audiences he would be leaving the series to explore other opportunities.

He candidly explained he missed touring, visiting other countries, learning other languages, and simply "being everywhere, doing everything."

Noah has already announced a 2023 tour of his home country South Africa, writing on Twitter he "can't wait to come home."

Addressing his audience in the New York studio and watching at home in September 2022, Noah said: "Before we go [to commercial], I was chatting to Roy Wood Jr. yesterday when we finished the show and he reminded me it has been seven years since we started The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.

"One of the overriding feelings I found myself experiencing throughout the night and even today waking up was a feeling of gratitude."

He continued: "What a journey it has been, thank you every single one of you who comes here to support us every single day, everyone who has watched the show and it's grown around the world... And I just found myself filled with gratitude for the journey. It's something I never expected and I found myself thinking about everything we've gone through—the Trump presidency, the pandemic, the journey of more pandemic—and I realized that after 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. It's been one of my greatest joys. I've loved trying to figure out how to make people laugh even when the stories are particularly s***** on the worst days."

He added: "We've laughed together, we've cried together. But after seven years, I feel like it's time."

Noah went on to explain how he missed stand-up and being on the road, commenting: "There's another part of my life that I want to carry on exploring. I miss learning other languages and going to other countries and putting on shows. I miss just being everywhere, doing everything."

Noah also thanked Comedy Central for believing "in this random comedian no one knew on this side of the world."

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Noah revealed he had not told staff on The Daily Show or Comedy Central he would be leaving before making the announcement.

After Noah's departure was announced, 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 the next steps.

"As we look ahead, we're excited for the next chapter in the 25+ year history of The Daily Show as it continues to redefine culture through sharp and hilarious social commentary, helping audiences make sense of the world around them."

Noah joined The Daily Show in December 2014 as a recurring senior international correspondent after being scouted by Daily Show host Jon Stewart.

In March 2015, Comedy Central revealed Noah would be succeeding Stewart as host, who stepped down after 16 years.

Noah's reign as the host began on September 25, 2015, and he presented his final show on Thursday, December 8, 2022.

Signing off his last show, Noah said he had learned three lessons during his time as The Daily Show host, "politics is an invented way to solve issues, never forget that context matters, and never forget how much context matters."

Comedy Central has not yet confirmed who will replace Noah, but several high-profile guest hosts have been announced in the interim, including comedian Chelsea Handler who will stand in in February 2023.

Joining Handler as hosts over the next few months are comedian turned-senator, Al Franken, and comedian and TV host, Hasan Minhaj.

The Daily Show airs Monday to Thursday at 11 p.m. ET.