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Critic: Jon Stewart's final 'Daily Show' struck the right tone

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It was the end of an era Thursday night for fans of Comedy Central's The Daily Show. After 16 years and more than 2,600 episodes, Jon Stewart hosted his final show in what turned out to be a star-studded and emotional affair.Stewart welcomed back more than two-dozen correspondents and contributors who have appeared on the show during his tenure. Many went on to have hugely successful careers, including Stephen Colbert, John Oliver and Steve Carrell.  The show ended with a performance from fellow New Jersey native Bruce Springsteen.

Buffalo News TV critic Alan Pergament says it was a fitting end to Stewart's tenure.

"It was a terrific final," Pergament told WBFO Friday. "Top to bottom, it was a great hour."

Pergament says Colbert's appearance, in particular, was a standout. The former correspondent, who went on to host his own wildly popular The Colbert Report, praised Stewart, who tried to hide his tears, telling him he was "infuriatingly good at [his] job."

"Colbert did it beautifully. He did it seriously and he also had some humor with it, which you expect from Colbert," Pergament said.

Pergament says Stewart leaves behind a significant legacy.

"He has changed television. He has changed the way news is viewed on television, which is more cynically," Pergament said. "He showed us how we should not always trust what we are being told."

Stewart has not yet announced his future plans. He took time off to direct a feature film, Rosewater, two years ago.

South African comedian Trevor Noah will take over as the show's new host in late September. Pergament says Stewart will be a "tough act to follow."

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