Jon Stewart: Stephen Colbert "deserves all the success in the world"

"The Daily Show" host wishes his former protégé the best of luck at CBS

Published April 11, 2014 2:37PM (EDT)

"Daily Show" host Jon Stewart could not be happier over the news that his former protégé Stephen Colbert is taking over "The Late Show" from David Letterman. Stewart began his Thursday night show with a heartfelt congratulations to his longtime friend and well wishes for Letterman, "the comedian broadcaster who is the best there ever was."

Though Letterman is indisputably one of the greats, Stewart believes "Colbert is up for the challenge."

"Truly one of the great pleasures of this show has been trying to maintain professional composure while Mr. Colbert is making me laugh uncontrollably," Stewart said, after running a clip from 2003, when Colbert was a Senior Correspondent on the show. "So, the exciting news today is I no longer need a cable subscription for the privilege of watching Stephen Colbert."

"There is no greater joy than seeing a genuinely good man who works as hard as he can every day, and deserves all the success in the world, actually get that success. For Stephen, we're just thrilled," he added.

Stewart ended the segment wishing both Letterman and Colbert the best of luck. "Godspeed to both men," he said.


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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