Jon Stewart Is Leaving THE DAILY SHOW

After 17 years as host of THE DAILY SHOW, Jon Stewart is leaving the show. A specific timetable of his departure is not clear, just that Stewart will remain with the show until later this year.

The news leaked out after the recording of Tuesday's episode, when Stewart let it slip that he was retiring.  Exactly why he is leaving is unclear. The comedian is just 52 years old.

Last night, Comedy Central released the official statement below.