December 8 was the end of a seven-year golden era – Trevor Noah officially parted ways with The Daily Show.

“I am so grateful,” Noah told the crowd during his last episode. “I remember when we started the show, we couldn’t get enough people to fill an audience. No, I always think it’s good; that’s how comedy is good enough.”

The Emmy-winning comedian also had a pointed message for his haters. “Even the people who hate-watched — we still got the ratings, thank you. I’m eternally grateful to you,” he quipped.

Noah took a moment to shout out his mother, grandmother and aunts, noting that they “shaped [him], nourished [him] and informed [him].” He added, “I always tell people, if you truly want to learn about America, talk to black women because unlike everybody else, black women can’t afford to f— around and find out.”

“This has been an honor. Thank you,” Noah concluded.

While the next host has not yet been announced, the late-night satirical news show will return to Comedy Central on January 17 with rotating celebrity guests until fall 2023. A-list comedians like Al Franken, Chelsea Handler, Leslie Jones, John Leguizamo, Hasan Minhaj, Sarah Silverman and more are all slated to guest host until Noah is more permanently replaced.

Noah first announced his retirement during a September 29 taping of the show. He explained to the audience at the time, “I realized that after seven years, my time is up, but in the most beautiful way, honestly.” The comedian emphasized, “I’ve loved hosting the show. It’s been one of my greatest challenges, it’s been one of my greatest joys.”

During the taping, he acknowledged that it’s been a very eventful seven years, to say the least. “It’s been absolutely amazing,” Noah recalled. “It’s something I never expected. I found myself thinking about the time, everything we’ve gone through… the Trump presidency, the pandemic, the journey of… more pandemic.”

On January 20, Noah will kick off his 28-city U.S. stand-up tour, “Off the Record,” in Atlanta. In the meantime, fans can enjoy his new comedy special, I Wish You Would, now streaming on Netflix.

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