Trevor Noah presented The Daily Show’s final broadcast on Thursday, saying goodbye to viewers by sharing the show with his correspondents and signed out with a poignant and sincere expression of appreciation.
“I’m grateful to you. Every single one of you,” Noah shared with those in the audience in a special between-the-scenes video shared by the show. “I remember when we started the show, we couldn’t get enough people to fill the audience… And I look at this now and I don’t take it for granted, ever.”
“Every seat that’s ever been filled to watch something that I’m doing, I always appreciate it,” he continued. “Thank you to the people who watch, the people who share the clips. Everyone who’s ever had an opinion.”
“Even the people who hate-watch,” he added with a laugh. “We still got the ratings! I’m eternally grateful to you.”
Noah became emotional as he delivered “a special shout-out to Black ladies.”
“I’ve often been credited with having these grand ideas… and I’m like, ‘Who do you think teaches me? Who do you think has shaped me, nourished me and formed me?’ From my mom, my grandma, my aunts,” Noah said, as he reflected on all he’s learned from Black women, and how they’ve influenced his life, his mentality and his thinking.
“I’ll tell you now, do yourself a favor, if you truly want to know what to do or how to do it, or maybe the best way or the most equitable way, talk to Black women,” Noah shared. “They are a lot of the reason I am here. I’m grateful to them, and I’m grateful to every single one of you. It’s been an honor.”
Noah also made sure to acknowledge the reporters he’s worked with every day for the past seven years, including Michael Kosta, Desi Lydic, Ronny Chieng, Roy Wood Jr, and Dulcé Sloan, in the final episode spotlight.
Even Jordan Klepper, who worked with Noah when he originally took over hosting responsibilities, returned with a video package comprising interviews with New Yorkers wishing Noah well.
Noah has presented The Daily Show for seven years, succeeding Jon Stewart in 2015. He announced his intention to depart the show to the studio audience in August.