Trevor Noah Explains Decision To Exit Comedy Central’s ‘The Daily Show’: I Want to Leave Before I’m Burnt Out

Trevor Noah

 Trevor Noah Explains Decision To Exit Comedy Central’s ‘The Daily Show’: I Want to Leave Before I’m Burnt Out

Trevor Noah is opening up about his decision to leave Comedy Central’s ‘The Daily Show.’

During a recent interview, Trevor Noah got candid about his upcoming exit from the Emmy-Award winning program. Noah revealed that while he did not pre-plan to make the announcement live on-air, he felt that doing so with all the cast and crew around was the perfect setting.

He explained,

“Part of the reason I did it that way is because I didn’t want anybody to be the person who then tells somebody else, who then tells somebody else, who then tells somebody else. And this is where we create the thing. [The show] is where we’re together, our space, and so for me, it felt like the most natural way to tell everybody at the same time.”

Trevor Noah

On Thursday, September 29, Trevor Noah announced his plans to leave ‘The Daily Show,’ which airs on Comedy Central. Noah, who took over the series from John Stewart back in 2015, seemingly transformed the show in a seven-year time frame for a new generation of viewers who tune in from social media rather than using their TV providers.

While making his announcement to his audience, Trevor Noah said:

“I want to say thank you to you, to you who watched this.” 

The South African comedian continued:

“I never dreamed that I would be here. I sort of feel like ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.’ I came here for a tour of what the previous show was and then the next thing you know I was handed the keys.”

He added:

“I spent two years in my apartment, not on the road, and when I got back out there, I realized there’s another part of my life out there that I want to carry on exploring. I miss learning other languages. I miss going to other countries and putting on shows.”

The 38-year-old shared:

“I’ve loved hosting this show. It’s been one of my greatest challenges. It’s been one of my greatest joys. I’ve loved trying to figure out how to make people laugh even when the stories are particularly shitty on the worst days.”

The actor and writer ended by expressing his love to his viewers, “The Daily Show” team, and Comedy Central.

While the news of his impending departure may have been a surprise to his cast, crew, and viewers, it’s something Trevor Noah admits he knew was coming all along. He explained in his interview:

“Maybe this comes with not being raised in America, but I believe that everything should end. A lot of American business and American media is just like, ‘Keep it going as long as possible.’ But I think it’s healthy for things to end when they’re still in a good place. I want to leave before I’m burnt out, because there are many other things I’d like to do.”

According to Noah, there are several things he would like to accomplish after leaving ‘The Daily Show.’ For starters, a trip to Qatar to catch the World Cup, spending time with family and friends back in South Africa, and a comedy tour—which he’ll be embarking on at the top of 2023, are at the top of his list.

Trevor Noah

He’s also not ruling out the possibility of still playing some role with ‘The Daily Show’ post his exit, whether it be as a producer, consultant, or correspondent. Trevor Noah’s also set on tapping into a more cinematic and creative role, with more than 30 projects already in various stages of development through his Zero Day Productions banner. In addition, he revealed that he’s been writing screenplays, a Broadway musical and that he’s open to possibly star in some TV and film projects later down the line.

As of now, there is no word yet on who will be taking over for ‘The Daily Show.’

Trevor Noah’s last stint on The Daily Show will be Thursday, Dec. 8.

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