Jon Stewart, the host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show, will step down later this year.
The comedian said it had "been an absolute privilege" to have been at the helm of the satirical show since 1999.He will leave later this year. "This show doesn't deserve an even slightly restless host and neither do you," Stewart told his audience on Tuesday.
Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless paid tribute, saying: "His comedic brilliance is second to none."
Stewart's show has often been cited as a leading news source for young people, with an average audience of one million viewers.
His targets - and his guests - have been politicians and public figures, addressed in tones that are often indignant, or teasing.
The Daily Show has also been a launch pad for several well-known comic performers, including Steve Carell and John Oliver, as well as Stephen Colbert.
"I'm going to miss being on television every day," Stewart said. "I'm going to miss coming here every day. I love the people here. They're creative and collaborative and kind.
"It's been the honour of my professional life, and I thank you for watching it, for hate-watching it, whatever reason you are tuning in for."
The host said he was not sure exactly when he would leave, or what he would do next.
In 2013, he took time out to direct a film, Rosewater, about an Iranian-born journalist who was imprisoned and accused of spying.
"I don't have any specific plans," he said. "Got a lot of ideas, 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."
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