Jon Stewart has been a big name on the satirical news scene since he took over The Daily Show in 1999. Stewart hosted the show until this August when he officially stepped down, leaving the show to Trevor Noah, who will take over September 28th. The show has had a major effect on the comedy world, and although it’s meant to be satirical, a lot of people use The Daily Show as a legitimate form of news.

Many big names in comedy have gotten their start on Stewart’s show. Stephen Colbert, well known for his work on The Colbert Report and now on The Late Show, started as a correspondent on the show. John Oliver, who now hosts Last Week Tonight, and Larry Wilmore, host of The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, have similar stories. All three received their big breaks working with Stewart and all continue to list him as a major influence when it comes to running their shows.

However, not just satirical news programs have roots with the show. Comedians like Steve Carrell, Josh Gad and Samantha Bee all worked with Stewart. Even Mo Rocca, correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and host of The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation, spent five years with  Stewart and The Daily Show. Though correspondents come and go, a common theme is that each one credits Stewart for their later careers in news, comedy and journalism.

Stewart’s 15 years on The Daily Show have impacted those beyond the cast members. Adults and students alike not only enjoy the show, but use it as a source for their news.

“I kind of think about it in the same way as BuzzFeed. I do think it’s a legitimate source, but it still needs to be taken lightly. It’s all meant to be a joke, so you can’t take it too seriously,” Zoe Scott (11) said.

The show can hardly be seen as a serious news show, but with guests appearing from comedian Louis C.K. to President Obama to Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, it is not a force to be taken lightly. The show has been praised for covering topics that are avoided in mainstream media as well as serious topics like ISIS and gun control in ways that are more digestible for the American public.

Stewart’s impact has extended beyond the world of comedy. He has started careers, informed generations and given millions new ways to look at the world of news. Though his run at The Daily Show may be over, his impact will remain.