Jon Stewart Leaving ‘The Daily Show’: Comedian Shocks Crowd With Announcement Following Stephen ‘Colbert Report’ Finale, Larry Wilmore ‘Nightly’ Premiere [VIDEO]

Sad days ahead, readers! It's being reported that Jon Stewart is leaving his ever so beloved spot on Comedy Central's The Daily Show. As an incredible force for not only the network but also the viewers of America – largely because many younger people get their news from people such as Stewart, John Oliver and the once upon a time Colbert Report host Stephen Colbert – Stewart made the announcement of his upcoming retirement during last night's episode with guest David Axelrod. News of Stewart's leaving after a whopping 17 years of employment comes just a couple of months after Colbert left the Report for David Letterman's Late Show seat as well as Larry Wilmore's premiere for The Nightly Show.

Stewart made the announcement towards the end of his episode, shocking the crowd when he claimed, "It is time for someone else to have that opportunity," after stating he was given an incredible chance 17 years ago.

Of course, he couldn't withstand from keeping the situation somewhat light, joking that it is the longest he's held a job by "16 years and five months."

Check out the comedian's announcement of his leaving the coveted Daily Show seat here:

While the news is obviously upsetting, it's rather understandable when you consider the incredible amount of fortitude it takes to put on a show such as The Daily Show––long (long, long, long!) hours, constant news updates ... and let's not forget being able to deliver an entertaining broadcast amid a whirlwind of often saddening news. Yet somehow Stewart and his staff were able to do so for years.

So, what's he going to do when he leaves sometime later this year? Well, for starters, he's going to get a chance to meet his family ... which is probably a good thing.

Of course, Stewart's leaving begs the question of who will be ballsy enough to take his seat when he vacates.

Any thoughts on a possible replacement?