Jon Stewart, the iconic persona behind The Daily Show, is set to sign off for the last time today (AEST).

After 16 years hosting the US talkshow program, and nearly 2600 editions, in a few hours Stewart, 52, will present his final episode.

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He has built up a massive following across the world since he first hit US screens in 1999 and is best known for his fake-news persona, razor-sharp wit and intense questioning capable of making hardened politicians squirm.

About 1.5 million Americans watch the show each day, with hundreds of thousands of others watching online in search of a fresh take on news.

Comedy Central’s flagship program will return on September 28 with South African comedian Trevor Noah to take over from the TV veteran — no easy feat.

In his time on the show, Stewart interviewed some of the biggest names in public life, including current US president Barrack Obama (the first time a sitting president appeared on the show) and Presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton.

American comedian Louis C.K. was the show’s final guest on Wednesday.

Stewart had an interesting way of preparing, or not, for each one.

When Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence appeared on the show in 2013, Stewart asked her about a range of subjects, except the movie.

“I don’t prepare for these things very well,” Stewart admitted to her after she called him out on his line of questioning.

“That’s actually what your producers and everyone involved in the show tell everyone,” Lawrence said.

“They’re like: ‘He’s not really gonna know a lot about the movie or a lot about you’.”

Fans took to the Twitterverse in droves, lamenting the void he would leave in the wake of the upcoming presidential election.

“#JonVoyage For a fake news program, TDS was often the most honest, real 30 minutes on television”, Brigid wrote.

“When I was in high school, I did my “hero” project on Jon Stewart and @TheDailyShow. It will be hard to say goodbye tonight. #JonVoyage,” JenniferTalksTV tweeted.

See more below.

Thanks for the laughs and for sparking a generation’s interest in government. We’ll miss you, Jon. #JonVoyage pic.twitter.com/oAhSaG6KhC

— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) August 6, 2015

An election without Stewart is like surgery without anesthetic. He’s a lifelong hero. We’ll miss you Jon #JonVoyage pic.twitter.com/9JUKUtJ4ek — Alex Hirsch (@_AlexHirsch) August 6, 2015

It’s #JonStewart‘s Last Day At @TheDailyShow. Tributes Will Be Coming Throughout The Day To Help Us Cope. #JonVoyage pic.twitter.com/kCfSbpxzUt

— PopWrapped (@PopWrapped) August 6, 2015

Morning commute. #JonVoyage pic.twitter.com/wClmyBAYvx — Jodi Lennon (@jokeylemon) August 6, 2015

Jon Stewart = Greatness. But I’ll always remember him as the guy who was as kind to me as a weird doorman as when I had a career. #jonvoyage

— Neal Brennan (@nealbrennan) August 5, 2015