Trevor Noah ends 7-year run as 'The Daily Show' host with 'special shoutout to Black women'

Trevor Noah bid farewell to "The Daily Show" with a "special shoutout to Black women."

The comedian, 38, took time during Thursday's episode to thank Black women, whom he says have shaped his ideas. It was his last episode in a seven-year run as host of the long-running Comedy Central show.

"I've often been credited with having these grand ideas," he said. "Who do you think teaches me? Who do you think has shaped me, nourished me and formed me?"

He added that Black women have unique insight into American life, saying "I always tell people, if you truly want to learn about America, talk to Black women."

He said that this is because, "unlike everybody else, Black women can't afford to (expletive) around and find out."

"Black people understand how hard it is when things go bad, especially in America or anywhere where Black people exist," he said, adding that Black women in particular "know what happens if things do not go the way they should."

"I'll tell you now, do yourself a favor: If you truly want to know what to do or how to do it or maybe the best way or the most equitable way, talk to Black women," he continued. "They're a lot of the reason that I'm here."

Noah also thanked every member of the studio audience and recalled the early days of his time as "Daily Show" host when the show struggled to fill the audience.

"When I look at this now, I don't take it for granted, ever," he said, looking at the masked crowd. "Every seat that has ever been filled to watch something that I'm doing, I always appreciate it, because I know the empty seat that sits behind it."

Noah joked he started his tenure as host in 2015 with "three clear goals."

"I'm gonna make sure Hillary Clinton gets elected, I'm gonna make sure that I prevent the global pandemic from starting and I'm gonna become best friends with Kanye West," he said.

Noah announced his impending departure from the show after seven years during a taping of the show on Sept. 29.

"I remember when we first started ... so many people didn't believe in us. It was a crazy bet to make. I still think it was a crazy choice, this random African," said Noah, who hails from South Africa. "What a journey it’s been. ... It’s been absolutely amazing. It's something that I never expected."

Trevor Noah announces he's leaving 'The Daily Show' after 7 years: 'My time is up'

He added: "After the seven years, my time is up, but in the most beautiful way, honestly. I’ve loved hosting this show. ... But after seven years I feel like it's time."

"The Daily Show" was hosted by Craig Kilborn from 1996 to 1998 and Jon Stewart from 1999 to 2015. Noah took over the show in 2015.

Noah's announcement came five months after James Corden announced he would be leaving his comedy show, "The Late Late Show With James Corden," in spring 2023 after hosting it since 2015.

In July, TBS announced it was pulling "Full Frontal With Samantha Bee" from the network after seven seasons. The move came after a Warner Bros. Discovery merger that saw many executives depart from the company amid an internal restructuring.

Trevor Noah's last day hosting 'The Daily Show' revealed

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trevor Noah ends 'Daily Show' host run with 'shoutout to Black women'