Jon Stewart Quitting 'The Daily Show'

After being a host for 17 years, political satirist Jon Stewart is quitting 'The Daily Show'. The late-night host announced that he is stepping down from his hosting duties during a taping of today's show. Later, Comedy Central also confirmed his departure from the show.

"Jon will remain at the helm for '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," Comedy Central said in a statement. Stewart has hosted The Daily Show since taking over the Comedy Central show in 1999.

"For the better part of the last two decades, we have had the inedible honour and privilege of working with Jon Stewart. His comedic brilliance is second to none. 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," the statement read further.

The reason behind his exit has not been mentioned in the statement. Also, Stewart has not yet issued any statements regarding the matter.

This comes as a real shock for Comedy Central after Stephen Colbert ended his Colbert Report to take over for David Letterman as the host of the Late Show. Jimmy Fallon who is leaving Late Night for The Tonight Show. Seth Meyers is taking over Late Night; James Corden is taking over Craig Ferguson as the host of the Late Late Show.