Trevor Noah Named New Host of ''

03.30.2015

​Though Daily Show contributor Trevor Noah has only appeared on the show three times, he's about to take over for the biggest name in fake news.

Jon Stewart announced his inevitable departure from The Daily Show in February, when speculation began over which current (or past) contributor would be able to fill his shoes.

Comedy Central announced Monday that Stewart's successor will be current show contributor, Trevor Noah, a 31-year-old South African comedian who joined The Daily Show last year. Noah will be only the third host of the show, as Stewart took over for the show's first host, Craig Kilborn, in 1999.

Fellow Daily Show contributors Jason Jones, and Jessica Williams followed rumors about their potential quickly, with Jones and Bee leaving Comedy Central for their upcoming show on TBS, and Williams tweeting out that she was honored to be considered but at 25, she has a long way to go before being ready for the honor.

Fact 1: I'm not hosting. Thank you but I am extremely under-qualified for the job! - Jessica R. Williams (@msjwilly) February 16, 2015

Noah's website clearly states why he was chosen for the role: "Trevor Noah is the most successful comedian in Africa."

It also lists his TV credits, which includes several hosting gigs for South Africa's music, television and film awards, the South African Comedy Festival and a self-titled late-night show Tonight with Trevor Noah. He was also subject of the 2012 documentary You Laugh But It's True, which chronicles his comedy career in post-apartheid South Africa. His Showtime comedy special, Trevor Noah: African American, debuted in 2013.

Comedy Central has yet to announce Stewart's departure date, but his farewell announcement hinted that it could be awhile until he's ready to leave the desk. The Hollywood Reporter today published an interview with Comedy Central President Michele Ganeless, who said that the choice came down to his youth and global perspective:

"There is only one ," she said. "So, we did not look for the next Jon Stewart. We were looking for someone who brings a really unique and distinct point of view that's really appropriate for 2015 and the coming years, who could evolve The Daily Show for the next generation. Trevor is so smart and so funny and such a citizen of the world that it just became very clear that he could do this job better than anyone else."

She added: "It is about being wickedly funny, extremely bright, being a voracious student of news and pop culture and of the world."

The network also posted a recent package from Noah, who was then operating under the title of Senior International Correspondent, as a way to "spend some time with The Daily Show's next host:"

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Noah posted his thanks to Stewart on Twitter today following the announcement:

No-one can replace Jon Stewart. But together with the amazing team at The Daily Show, we will continue to make this the best damn news show!

- Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) March 30, 2015

He also became a trending topic Monday morning, with celebrities and colleagues congratulating him on his new gig: Very excited to welcome our next host: @Trevornoah! That's right - another guy in late night from Soweto. http://t.co/zlNhBmjg6I- The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) March 30, 2015

Thank you president Obama pic.twitter.com/PgFJCCyRTa

- Chris Rock (@chrisrock) March 30, 2015

[Image courtesy of Trevor Noah]