Jon Stewart leaving 'The Daily Show' after 16 years

LOS ANGELES -- Jon Stewart, the executive producer and host of the popular parody news show "The Daily Show," will leave his later this year, he told his studio audience Tuesday night. The 52-year-old comedian has hosted the show for 16 years, and said "this show doesn't deserve an even slightly restless host, and neither do you."

Stewart has not announced any plans for his next career move, though he did take a hiatus in the summer of 2013 to work on his directorial debut "Rosewater." Instead he told fans that he was thankful for the opportunity to host the show, which he took over from Craig Kilborn in 1999.

"It's been an absolute privilege," said an emotional Stewart. "It's been the honor of my professional life, and I thank you for watching it, for hate-watching it, whatever reason you are tuning in for."

"I don't have any specific plans," the comedian said at the end of his show. "Got a lot of ideas. I got a lot of things in my head. I'm going to have dinner on a school night with my family, who I have heard from multiple sources are lovely people."

Comedy Central has not named a replacement, as Stewart is still working out when his exit will take place. However, the network has plans to continue the show.

"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," Comedy Central President Michele Ganeless said in a statement.

"The Daily Show" averages slightly more than 1 million viewers a night, but averaged 2.2 million in 2014. Despite a far smaller audience than his late-night competition on broadcast networks, Stewart became disproportionately influential in U.S. politics and culture, especially for his more left-leaning political slant.

The show won 20 Emmy Awards during Stewart's tenure.

"The Daily Show" has been a launchpad for comedians like Stephen Colbert, who hosted "The Colbert Report" and will host David Letterman's "Late Show" later this year; Steve Carell, went on to star in films like "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Crazy, Stupid, Love"; and John Oliver who now hosts weekly comedy news show "Last Week Tonight."