After 16 years, viewers tuned into Comedy Central to watch Jon Stewart entertain and dish out his political satire on The Daily Show one last time on August 6.

Viewers across the country sat prepared with a TV remote in one hand and a box of tissues in the other, anticipating the finale.

Surprising viewers with cameos of all the show’s old and current correspondents, the episode gave fans an opportunity for one last goodbye. Steve Carell and Kristen Schaal made special appearances, causing the live studio audience to cheer loudly.

Stephen Colbert used his final moments to hijack the show, surprising Stewart with an emotional farewell: “We owe you. And not just what you did for our career by employing us to come on this tremendous show that you made. We owe you because we learned from you. We learned from you by example how to do a show with intention, how to work with clarity, how to treat people with respect. You were infuriatingly good at your job,” Colbert said. Following the conclusion of Colbert’s speech, Stewart and his fans fought tears.

The Daily Show will return with a new host, Trevor Noah, on September 28. Joining The Daily Show in 2014 as a contributor, Noah accumulated hosting experience. Prior to joining the cast, Noah hosted a late-night talk show in his home country, South Africa. Several comedians passed up the opportunity before Noah accepted.

Although difficult for a finale to satisfy long-time viewers in just one hour, Stewart did not disappoint. It could have been the promise of the show returning or the old correspondents helping viewers relive favorite moments, but The Daily Show gave Jon Stewart the emotional send-off he deserves.