Trevor Noah opened his first “Daily Show” with a perfect mix of funny and poignant remarks. The South African comic charmed, scored belly laughs and paid homage to his predecessor with just his few minutes on the air.
“First of all, this is surreal for me. I’m not gonna lie,” Noah began his new desk job addressing the camera and studio audience. “Growing up in the dusty streets of South Africa, I never dreamed that I’d one day have — well two things really — an indoor toilet, and a job as host of ‘The Daily Show.’ And now I have both, and I’m quite comfortable with one of them.”
“I can only assume that this is as strange for you as it is for me. Jon Stewart was more than just a late-night host, he was often our voice, our refuge, and in many ways, our political dad,” the comic set up. “And it’s weird, because Dad has left. And now it feels like the family has a new step-dad — and he’s black, which is not ideal.”
Noah also tackled why another man got another late-night gig, saying of Amy Schumer — who was offered the job — “clearly [she] knew something that I didn’t.”
The new guy also joked about taking the job from stateside-born candidates: “Once more, a job Americans rejected is now being done by an immigrant,” he cracked.
After that punchline, Noah got sincere — though just for a moment.
“Thank you, Jon. Thank you for believing in me,” he said. “I’m not quite sure what you saw in me, but I’ll work hard every day to find it. And I’ll make you not look like the crazy old dude who left his inheritance to some random kid from Africa.”
“And to you, the ‘Daily Show’ viewers — both new and old, at home or on your phone — thank you for joining us, as we continue the war on bullshit,” Noah concluded his opening segment, with a callback to a Stewart mission.
Noah then took his comedy to coverage to the current pope visit, which has been dominating local news in the tristate area and beyond for weeks. John Boehner’s resignation announcement was the next victim, as the new-look “Daily Show” found itself well underway and cooking.
Kevin Hart was Noah’s first guest. Watch the video of the open above.
First Look at Trevor Noah's New 'Daily Show' Set (Photo)
TheWrap has obtained a new photo of Trevor's Noah new "Daily Show" set.
In addition, Comedy Central told TheWrap on Friday that Noah's debut behind the show's news desk will be simulcast across all Viacom networks, such as MTV, VH1, BET, Spike, Logo, TV Land, and Epix.
Comedian Kevin Hart will be Noah's first guest. Others will include Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe, GOP Presidential candidate and current New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and Ryan Adams on Thursday.
Noah is taking over "The Daily Show" following Jon Stewart's departure from the program in August after 16Â years on the air.
Trevor Noah will debut on "The Daily Show" on Sept. 28 at 11pm/10c.
Party Report in Pictures: Jon Stewart, Trevor Noah, Kevin Hart, Lea Michele (Updating Photos)
New York Mets fan Jon Stewart gave fans a Derek Jeter-esque tip of the cap as he left "The Daily Show" for the last time in Manhattan on Thursday night.
Getty Images
"Daily Show" successor Trevor Noah was on the scene with scarily big shoes to fill.
Getty Images
"I like huntin', fishin', and lovin' every day," Luke Bryan said on his press whip through NYC this week, that included Jenny McCarthy (left), a chat with Erin Andrews, and a capping performance in Soho for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy 6 Edge + and Note 5.
Getty Images
On Friday, Kevin Hart tried to get as many kids in to the frame, and in to shape, at the Children's National Medical Center in D.C.
Getty Images
"I attribute my personal and professional successes to not only my self-reliance and determination, but to the inspiration, education and support I received from others,” Lea Michele said in the #ActuallySheCan campaign.
#ActuallySheCan
Andy Richter gave Comedy Central's Andy Daly the "atta boy" for landing Season 2 of his show "Review" backstage at the UCB deep on Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles.
Getty Images
Kevin Farley's documentary about his late brother, Chris, arrives on Spike on Monday, August 10. At a Hollywood premiere, Tom Arnold and Michael Rosenbaum bookended the exec-producer/star.
Todd Williamson/ Wireimage
It does not count if one of the "2 Thumbs Up" is your own. Tom Green and "I am Chris Farley" director Brent Hodge after the STK Out catered screening at the Pickford Center.
Todd Williamson/ Wireimage
"Blunt Talk's" premiere is not until Monday night at the DGA, but creator Jonathan Ames gave a sneak of his "Hairy" call at the TCA's for an audience that was bigger than just Seth MacFarlane and Patrick Stewart (pictured).
Starz
"Karate Kid" bad boys William Zabka and Martin "Sweep the Leg" Kove made a rare karate-related appearance at Street Food Cinema's outdoor screening of the classic.
Drea Castro/Street Food Cinema
This newest Malibu beach house is in ... Dallas, where singer Redfoo turned up for a promo appearance in Texas that had a musical tie to Pandora.
Peter Larsen/Getty Images for Pernod Ricard
"Who wants to have fun tonight?" Miguel shouted as the Grammy winner grabbed the mic at Up&Down in NYC on Thursday night. Alexander Wang was in the crowd.
Craig Giambrone @ikelovejones
Bryan Batt hustles Nic Cage down the carpet at New Orleans political thriller "The Runner" premiere at the TCL on Wednesday night.
Todd Williamson/Getty Images
Later at Wood and Vine, Batt, Ciera Payton, director Austin Stark and producer Glenn Williamson enjoyed Alchemy's hospitality.
Todd Williamson/Getty Images
The 301 (Maryland) to 310 (L.A.) connection was strong at Ben Feldman and Duff "Ace of Cakes" Goldman's Crab Fest at No Vacancy on August 2.
Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images
"The Matrix" star Laurence Fishburne with host Feldman.
Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images
Ben Feldman is the odd man out amongst chefs Duff Goldman, Michael Voltaggio, and Bryan Voltaggio. The Sunday afternoon feast gave every cent to Chrysalis, which creates a pathway from homeless to self-sufficiency.
Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images
Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell dropped in to Maestro Dobel's V-VIP piano bar (a tent inside the VIP area) during the three day weekend.
Al Hassas
A$AP Rocky got in on the surprise trend, turning up unannounced adjacent to the main stage for a quick "Sunday Funday" party in the tented and elevated Samsung Galaxy Owner's Lounge in sight, but out of earshot of the main fields.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Girls were camped out early for bubble gum rappers Jack & Jack's performance at the skyscraper Dell Lounge in Chicago. Bottom right, non-bubble-gum DJ A-Trak spun a Friday night after party after hanging with Dell's Lauren Mauro and Lisa Martin-Louro at the Windows 10 branded space.
Gabriel Grams / Getty Images for Dell
This is the demographic for Jack & Jack.
Gabriel Grams / Getty Images for Dell
Marina and the Diamonds closed down Soho House's weekend of parties in Chicago with her second performance of the day. Sophia Bush was in the crowd for the Bacardi hosted bash.
Getty Images
Chicago-fornication: David Duchovny channeled Keanu Reeves by performing with his band at Bub City.
@Tyliner
Mulder led a team huddle backstage.
@Tyliner
Jack Antonoff of "Fun" fame is bringing his side project Bleachers to L.A. Let's call his Hard Rock Hotel set on August 1 a warm up.
HRH/Culture Collide
Josh Radnor called Emily Best's name to come on up and accept the IVY Innovator Film Award at SmogShoppe on Tuesday night. Cadillac's new man in Hollywood, Michael Patrick, cheers at center.
Getty Images
Loyola Law School's "Hot Topics" Entertainment Law Symposium included ABC Studios' Howard Davine, Robert Klieger, Jennifer McGrath, and Michael Plonsker amongst others chewing on the changing landscape of the digital media business.
Loyola Law School
1 of 27
The top shots from inside and backstage at the best industry bashes of the week from TheWrap’s Mikey Glazer
New York Mets fan Jon Stewart gave fans a Derek Jeter-esque tip of the cap as he left "The Daily Show" for the last time in Manhattan on Thursday night.
South African comedian takes over Comedy Central news desk on Sept. 28
TheWrap has obtained a new photo of Trevor's Noah new "Daily Show" set.
In addition, Comedy Central told TheWrap on Friday that Noah's debut behind the show's news desk will be simulcast across all Viacom networks, such as MTV, VH1, BET, Spike, Logo, TV Land, and Epix.
Comedian Kevin Hart will be Noah's first guest. Others will include Bumble CEO Whitney Wolfe, GOP Presidential candidate and current New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and Ryan Adams on Thursday.
Noah is taking over "The Daily Show" following Jon Stewart's departure from the program in August after 16Â years on the air.
Trevor Noah will debut on "The Daily Show" on Sept. 28 at 11pm/10c.
Party Report in Pictures: Jon Stewart, Trevor Noah, Kevin Hart, Lea Michele (Updating Photos)
New York Mets fan Jon Stewart gave fans a Derek Jeter-esque tip of the cap as he left "The Daily Show" for the last time in Manhattan on Thursday night.
Getty Images
"Daily Show" successor Trevor Noah was on the scene with scarily big shoes to fill.
Getty Images
"I like huntin', fishin', and lovin' every day," Luke Bryan said on his press whip through NYC this week, that included Jenny McCarthy (left), a chat with Erin Andrews, and a capping performance in Soho for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy 6 Edge + and Note 5.
Getty Images
On Friday, Kevin Hart tried to get as many kids in to the frame, and in to shape, at the Children's National Medical Center in D.C.
Getty Images
"I attribute my personal and professional successes to not only my self-reliance and determination, but to the inspiration, education and support I received from others,” Lea Michele said in the #ActuallySheCan campaign.
#ActuallySheCan
Andy Richter gave Comedy Central's Andy Daly the "atta boy" for landing Season 2 of his show "Review" backstage at the UCB deep on Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles.
Getty Images
Kevin Farley's documentary about his late brother, Chris, arrives on Spike on Monday, August 10. At a Hollywood premiere, Tom Arnold and Michael Rosenbaum bookended the exec-producer/star.
Todd Williamson/ Wireimage
It does not count if one of the "2 Thumbs Up" is your own. Tom Green and "I am Chris Farley" director Brent Hodge after the STK Out catered screening at the Pickford Center.
Todd Williamson/ Wireimage
"Blunt Talk's" premiere is not until Monday night at the DGA, but creator Jonathan Ames gave a sneak of his "Hairy" call at the TCA's for an audience that was bigger than just Seth MacFarlane and Patrick Stewart (pictured).
Starz
"Karate Kid" bad boys William Zabka and Martin "Sweep the Leg" Kove made a rare karate-related appearance at Street Food Cinema's outdoor screening of the classic.
Drea Castro/Street Food Cinema
This newest Malibu beach house is in ... Dallas, where singer Redfoo turned up for a promo appearance in Texas that had a musical tie to Pandora.
Peter Larsen/Getty Images for Pernod Ricard
"Who wants to have fun tonight?" Miguel shouted as the Grammy winner grabbed the mic at Up&Down in NYC on Thursday night. Alexander Wang was in the crowd.
Craig Giambrone @ikelovejones
Bryan Batt hustles Nic Cage down the carpet at New Orleans political thriller "The Runner" premiere at the TCL on Wednesday night.
Todd Williamson/Getty Images
Later at Wood and Vine, Batt, Ciera Payton, director Austin Stark and producer Glenn Williamson enjoyed Alchemy's hospitality.
Todd Williamson/Getty Images
The 301 (Maryland) to 310 (L.A.) connection was strong at Ben Feldman and Duff "Ace of Cakes" Goldman's Crab Fest at No Vacancy on August 2.
Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images
"The Matrix" star Laurence Fishburne with host Feldman.
Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images
Ben Feldman is the odd man out amongst chefs Duff Goldman, Michael Voltaggio, and Bryan Voltaggio. The Sunday afternoon feast gave every cent to Chrysalis, which creates a pathway from homeless to self-sufficiency.
Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images
Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell dropped in to Maestro Dobel's V-VIP piano bar (a tent inside the VIP area) during the three day weekend.
Al Hassas
A$AP Rocky got in on the surprise trend, turning up unannounced adjacent to the main stage for a quick "Sunday Funday" party in the tented and elevated Samsung Galaxy Owner's Lounge in sight, but out of earshot of the main fields.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Girls were camped out early for bubble gum rappers Jack & Jack's performance at the skyscraper Dell Lounge in Chicago. Bottom right, non-bubble-gum DJ A-Trak spun a Friday night after party after hanging with Dell's Lauren Mauro and Lisa Martin-Louro at the Windows 10 branded space.
Gabriel Grams / Getty Images for Dell
This is the demographic for Jack & Jack.
Gabriel Grams / Getty Images for Dell
Marina and the Diamonds closed down Soho House's weekend of parties in Chicago with her second performance of the day. Sophia Bush was in the crowd for the Bacardi hosted bash.
Getty Images
Chicago-fornication: David Duchovny channeled Keanu Reeves by performing with his band at Bub City.
@Tyliner
Mulder led a team huddle backstage.
@Tyliner
Jack Antonoff of "Fun" fame is bringing his side project Bleachers to L.A. Let's call his Hard Rock Hotel set on August 1 a warm up.
HRH/Culture Collide
Josh Radnor called Emily Best's name to come on up and accept the IVY Innovator Film Award at SmogShoppe on Tuesday night. Cadillac's new man in Hollywood, Michael Patrick, cheers at center.
Getty Images
Loyola Law School's "Hot Topics" Entertainment Law Symposium included ABC Studios' Howard Davine, Robert Klieger, Jennifer McGrath, and Michael Plonsker amongst others chewing on the changing landscape of the digital media business.
Loyola Law School
1 of 27
The top shots from inside and backstage at the best industry bashes of the week from TheWrap’s Mikey Glazer
New York Mets fan Jon Stewart gave fans a Derek Jeter-esque tip of the cap as he left "The Daily Show" for the last time in Manhattan on Thursday night.
Getty Images
Getty Images
