Jon Stewart’s “Daily Show” farewell on Comedy Central was one for the ages with current and former colleagues, celebrities, politicians and Muppets paying tribute to the satirical legend.
There were many magical comedic moments and some more poignant ones as well.
Here are TheWrap‘s top 5 takeaways from Stewart’s swan song after 16 years helping the show.
1. Correspondents Classic
What began as a typical “Daily Show” debate coverage spoof evolved into an epic segment featuring current and former correspondents.
Jessica Williams, Hasan Minhaj and Jordan Klepper reported from the debate, covering Donald Trump, Jeb Bush and Scott Walker’s debate performance. They were soon joined by returning correspondents Samantha Bee, Lewis Black, Steve Carell, Vance DeGeneres, Mo Rocca, “Veep’s” Matt Walsh and an angry Larry Wilmore, whose “Nightly Show” got bumped for an extended finale for Stewart.
“Black shows matter,” Wilmore said, a nod to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Other correspondents joining the fray included Josh Gad, Rob Corddry and “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader, who made it clear he wasn’t thrilled with Stewart comparing him to Dick Cheney.
Ed Helms and “Gitmo” the Muppet were also nice touches, and John Oliver appeared with an accounting of what he ate for breakfast the first day he appeared on “Daily Show.”
Opening with his correspondents was a classy move by Stewart, an acknowledgment that the “Daily Show” was only as strong as his supporting cast.
Also Read: Social media mourns Jon Stewart’s last “Daily Show”
2. “Lord of The Colbert”/Trevor Noah Measures Stewart’s Manliness
No farewell would be complete without Stephen Colbert appearing as a “Lord of the Rings” character.
The next “Late Show” host appeared as “Sam” from the fantasy trilogy — who knows why, but it was hilarious, cracking Stewart up throughout.
As Stewart was about to go to break, Colbert wouldn’t let him, smothering him with praise: “We owe you because we learned from you — you were infuriatingly good at your job,” Colbert concluded, drawing Stewart to tear up.
And Stewart’s successor Trevor Noah was also in the building, interrupting a segment as he sprawled a tape measure across the set to prepare for his new show. He then sized up Stewart, measuring his manly parts (outside the pants, of course).
3. “So long, jackass”
Stewart made his living off of skewering politicians, so some of America’s highest-profile politicos naturally had to say goodbye.
“So long, jackass,” Senator John McCain said at the end of a political montage.
Hillary Clinton, Chris Christie, Chuck Schumer, Charlie Rangel, Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Rahm Emanuel, Wolf Blitzer, Lindsey Graham, John Kerry and Bill O’Reilly also bid adieu to Stewart.
Unsurprisingly, George W. Bush and Cheney didn’t join the party.
4. “Bulls–t Bonanza”
More than anything, Stewart’s legacy might be highlighting the hypocrisy and bulls–t that make up our politics and media culture.
With that in mind, Stewart addressed the bulls–t that permeated our society, commenting on irresponsible big banks, climate change and gun control.
“Finally, it’s the bulls–t of infinite possibility,” he said, concluding that the best defense against bulls–t is vigilance, so if you smell something, say something.”
Conspicuously absent from the monologue was the purveyors of Stewart’s “Bulls–t Mountain,” Fox News, but Stewart’s thoughtful comments summarized 16 years of battling the hypocritical and ridiculous.
5. Springsteen Sings Stewart’s Swan Song
Bruce Springsteen and the E. Street Band belted out some of their classics, including “Born To Run” and “Land of Hopes and Dreams.”
Seeing Stewart dancing on-set with his kids and mob of colleagues and friends was a real touching moment, really encapsulating how important he’s been to the entertainment and pop culture world.
His sign off was a simple: “Thank you, goodnight.”
As social media and dozens of media tributes can attest — the thanks goes to Jon Stewart.
Video: Watch Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart’s teary moment