Jon Stewart is leaving The Daily Show at the end of the year, Comedy Central officially announced Tuesday.
We know. We're not quite sure how to deal with this news either. Over the last 16 years The Daily Show has become an institution, and Stewart will leave behind a legacy that includes 18 Primetime Emmy Awards and two Peabody Awards.
Jon Stewart isn't just a host and commentator. He's a legend.
And that's why it's worth revisiting how the show started. Check out the first episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart from Jan. 11, 1999, featuring a very, very young Stewart.
It's important to remember that Stewart was replacing Craig Kilborn, a host that audiences liked and respected. It was a tough job, coming in as a replacement for a known entity. You can see Stewart's nervousness, his uncertainty; you can even hear it in his voice.
You can also see his wit, his charm and his moral center -- the essence of what makes Stewart one of the very best commentators on television today.
We'll miss you, Jon.