A big announcement in French television occurred today when Yann Barthès, the host of Le Petit Journal, announced that he would be leaving the show after five years as its host. Le Petit Journal is often compared to The Daily Show in America, and Barthès was often compared to former Daily Show host Jon Stewart.

Although Barthès hosted the full-length Le Petit Journal for five years, he is the brainchild of the satirical news show. Le Petit Journal began as a smaller segment in the show Le Grand Journal in 2004 and became so popular that it was developed into a full-length show in 2011.

According to Le Monde, Barthès stated:“Je ne présenterai plus “Le Petit Journal” la saison prochaine. Je souhaite écrire avec les équipes de Bangumi [la société de production de l’émission] une nouvelle histoire et vivre de nouvelles aventures.” 

“I will no longer present Le Petit Journal next season. I hope to write a new story and live new adventures with the Bangumi team [the show’s production company].”

Le Petit Journal even entered into American news occasionally with its satirical segments on American politics and media. The New York Times wrote about one such episode in this article. Another famous example occurred during the 2008 presidential election, when Le Petit Journal staffers during a live broadcast of ABC News in Times Square held up banners with the word “Cassoulet” written on them. The banners were clearly visible on TV and, afterwards, millions of Americans searched the internet to find out what exactly cassoulet is–and an English Wikipedia page for “Cassoulet” was created. (It’s a delicious, slow-cooked casserole.) You can watch a clip (in French) showing the effects of this skit below.

But while Le Petit Journal is known first for its humor, it also has highlighted more serious moments, too. In this poignant video (shown with English subtitles), a father explains to his young son the power of kindness and remembrance following the attacks on Paris in November 2015.

I dare you to watch it without crying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR1zjZ2Cyaw

Thanks for a great show, Yann Barthès … and bonne continuation!