“The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart has bid adieu to the hit television show after 16 years, and said "it's just a pause in the conversation".

Stewart, who began hosting the show in 1999, carved a niche for himself as one of the most influential satirists of the US. He is being replaced by South African comedian Trevor Noah.

“The Daily Show”, broadcast on Comedy Central, has often been cited as a leading news source for young people, with an average audience of one million viewers, said a BBC report.

In his final monologue, Stewart thanked colleagues, fans and family.

"Nothing ends. It's just a continuation. It's a pause in the conversation. So rather than saying goodbye or good night, I'm just going to say I'm gonna go get a drink," he said.

"The Daily Show" has also helped to launch several well-known comic performers, including Steve Carell and John Oliver, as well as Stephen Colbert who is to be David Letterman's replacement on CBS's "Late Show".

The hashtag #JonVoyage was trending on Twitter as Stewart bid farewell to "The Daily Show", with famous fans paying tribute.

(Source: IANS)