Trevor Noah’s final episode of The Daily Show aired on Thursday, marking his departure from the satirical late-night show after seven years. The comedian, who took over for former host Jon Stewart in September 2015, was overcome with emotion as he thanked the studio and home audiences.
“Honestly, and most importantly, I am grateful to you,” he said as he began his farewell speech. Trevor recalled that when they first started the show, there were not enough people to fill the seats in the audience, and he was mindful to appreciate everyone who came to watch him whenever he performed.
The host became emotional as he singled out an underappreciated segment of the American population, adding, “A special shout out to black women.” These grand ideas have frequently been attributed to me. Who do you believe instructs me? Who do you believe has shaped, fed, and informed me? “From my mother, grandmother, and aunt,” he explained, adding that if one truly wanted to learn about America, one should speak with black women.
He went on, “Black people understand how difficult it is when things go wrong, especially in America or anywhere else where black people exist, whether in Brazil or South Africa. When things go wrong for black people, they know it gets worse. But black people, in particular, truly understand what shit is. To the black women who have taught me, to the scholars and authors who have taken the time to educate and argue with me online.”
Trevor, who was born in South Africa, began appearing on The Daily Show as a contributor in 2014 and was tipped for the main job in less than a year. He announced that he will leave the show in September 2022. On Jimmy Fallon’s talk show recently, he stated that he wanted to resume performing stand-up all over the world. Trevor’s Netflix comedy special, I Wish You Would, debuted on the streaming service on November 22. While no replacement for Trevor has been announced as of yet, several guest hosts are expected to take his place beginning in January 2023.
