Trevor Noah Announced as the New Host of ‘The Daily Show’

By Cheri Cheng - 30 Mar '15 10:49AM

Trevor Noah will replace Jon Stewart as the new host of "The Daily Show." Noah, 31, made his debut appearance on the Comedy Central talk show as a contributor in December.

"It's an honor to follow Jon Stewart. He and the team at 'The Daily Show' have created an incredible show whose impact is felt all over the world," Noah said in a statement. "In my brief time with the show they've made me feel so welcome. I'm excited to get started and work with such a fantastic group of people."

Stewart gave his endorsement after the news was announced. The 52-year-old said, "I'm thrilled for the show and for Trevor. He's a tremendous comic and talent that we've loved working with...In fact, I may rejoin as a correspondent just to be a part of it!!!"

Michele Ganeless, the Comedy Central president, said in an interview, reported by the New York Times, "We talked to women. We talked to men. We found in Trevor the best person for the job...you don't hope to find the next Jon Stewart - there is no next Jon Stewart. So, our goal was to find someone who brings something really exciting and new and different."

She added, "Trevor Noah is an enormous talent. He has an insightful and unique point of view, and most importantly, is wickedly funny. For the next host of The Daily Show, we set out to find a fresh voice who can speak to our audience with a keen take on the events of the day, and we found that in Trevor. He has a huge international following and is poised to explode here in America, and we are thrilled to have him join Comedy Central."

Noah, who hails from South Africa, made his U.S. debut in 2012 on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Prior to that, the comedian hosted several TV shows in his native country, which included his own show, "Tonight with Trevor Noah." Noah also had his own Showtime Special, "Trevor Noah: African American."

Stewart, who has been the host of the comedy program since 1999, announced that he was leaving show in February. Other veterans that have announced their departure as well included correspondent Jason Jones and his wife, Samantha Bee. There is currently no word on when Stewart will officially leave the show.

"The Daily Show" airs every weeknight at 11 p.m.