Ronny Sianturi
The curtain has fallen on Stephen Colbert’s distinguished tenure as the host of CBS’s The Late Show, concluding an eleven-year run that saw the program evolve from a challenging debut into a dominant force in late-night television. Colbert’s final broadcast on Friday, December 20, 2024, brought to a close a significant chapter, not just for the show, but for the genre as a whole, leaving a void in the comedic and political commentary landscape.
Colbert’s journey to the helm of The Late Show was not without its initial hurdles. The transition from his immensely popular satirical persona on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report to the more traditional, albeit still opinionated, late-night host proved to be a learning curve. Early months saw the show grappling for viewership and critical traction. However, a pivotal shift occurred around the 2016 political conventions. This period marked a turning point, allowing Colbert to hone his voice and find his footing. His sharp, often biting, comedic analysis of the Trump administration resonated deeply with a significant portion of the audience, propelling The Late Show to become the most-watched program in late-night television by 2017. This sustained success cemented his position as a leading voice in the genre.
Navigating a Tumultuous Political Landscape
The era of Donald Trump’s presidency, while a boon for The Late Show‘s ratings, presented Colbert with a complex ethical and comedic dilemma. In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2017, Colbert articulated this tension, stating, "I would trade good ratings for a better president." He expressed a desire for a political climate that would galvanize public attention towards more constructive priorities, rather than one that constantly demanded reactive comedic commentary. "We were ready for something that galvanized people’s attention and changed their priorities," he told THR. "The thank-you note is to my staff for being ready – that’s the thank-you note. Because if it’s not Donald Trump, it’s something else. There will be something else that we care about, hopefully happy, possibly tragic. But we’re ready to talk about what just happened, whenever it happens now. And that’s what we’ve learned." This statement underscored his commitment to topicality and his team’s adaptability.
Colbert’s show became a vital touchstone for viewers navigating the unprecedented political and social events of his tenure. He skillfully guided his audience through the initial, disorienting phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting the show to a remote, at-home format that mirrored the experiences of many Americans. His reactions to President Trump’s challenges to the 2020 election results and the subsequent January 6th Capitol riot were particularly poignant. The decision to go live at the conclusion of that historic and turbulent day in 2021 was a testament to the show’s role as a platform for processing national trauma and outrage.
A Legacy of Memorable Interviews and Comedic Aspirations
Beyond his political commentary, Colbert also fostered a reputation for conducting insightful and engaging interviews. His guests spanned the spectrum of entertainment, politics, and culture. Notable sit-downs included in-depth conversations with acclaimed filmmakers like Christopher Nolan, beloved actors such as Keanu Reeves, and prominent political figures like former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. His interview with then-Vice President Joe Biden in 2015, early in his Late Show run, set a precedent for the caliber of guests the show would attract.
Looking back at his extensive body of work in late-night, which began with The Daily Show and continued with The Colbert Report before The Late Show, Colbert consistently downplayed any notion of significant political impact. In a reflective exit interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he emphasized his primary goal: "I want to be remembered as a comedy show. We harvest laughter for a living, and ultimately that’s the thing I want more than anything else. I just want to make the audience laugh." This sentiment was echoed in his assertion that he and his colleagues were not "changing the damn world." He humorously reflected on his perceived lack of influence, stating, "Have you seen the world? I promise you, if you think that I’m on some kind of agenda, then I’m really shitty at it because nothing has gone in the direction that I had hoped. I mean, nothing for 25 years." This self-deprecating perspective highlights his focus on entertainment and his humble approach to his influential platform.
Chronology of a Late-Night Landmark
Stephen Colbert’s tenure on The Late Show officially began on September 8, 2015, with a premiere episode that featured George Clooney and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The initial months were characterized by a deliberate effort to establish his unique comedic voice, distinct from his previous satirical character. By early 2016, the show began to gain momentum, coinciding with the intensifying political landscape of the 2016 presidential election.
- 2015: Launch of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS. Early interviews included Joe Biden, Amy Schumer, and Bill Murray.
- 2016: The show’s comedic commentary on the presidential election cycle, particularly the rise of Donald Trump, starts to gain significant traction. Colbert begins to hit his stride, blending sharp political satire with his signature wit.
- 2017: The Late Show becomes the most-watched program in late-night television. Colbert’s pointed critiques of the Trump administration become a defining feature of the show. He is quoted in The Hollywood Reporter expressing his reservations about the success derived from a politically charged environment.
- 2018-2019: Continued strong ratings and critical acclaim, with the show consistently addressing major news events and cultural shifts.
- 2020: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forces a significant format change. Colbert pivots to broadcasting from his home, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and maintaining audience engagement during a period of national uncertainty.
- 2021: The show returns to the studio with strict safety protocols. Colbert delivers powerful, live reactions to the aftermath of the 2020 election and the January 6th Capitol riot, including a special live episode on the evening of January 6th.
- 2022-2024: The Late Show maintains its position as a ratings leader. Colbert continues to engage with a wide array of guests and topical issues, solidifying his legacy.
- December 20, 2024: Stephen Colbert hosts his final episode of The Late Show, concluding his eleven-year run. The episode features a retrospective of his most memorable moments and a heartfelt farewell to his audience.
Data and Impact Analysis
Throughout Colbert’s run, The Late Show consistently averaged over 2.5 million viewers per episode, often surpassing its direct competitors in key demographics. The show’s ability to adapt to changing media consumption habits, including a robust presence on digital platforms like YouTube, where clips frequently went viral, contributed to its sustained relevance. The show’s digital engagement often exceeded traditional viewership figures, demonstrating a broad reach among younger audiences.
The impact of The Late Show under Colbert can be analyzed through several lenses. Comedically, he revitalized the late-night monologue and incorporated elements of his previous persona, creating a unique blend of satire and commentary. Politically, the show served as a significant platform for dissecting and critiquing political events, particularly during the Trump administration, offering a space for viewers to process complex and often unsettling news cycles through humor. Culturally, Colbert became a trusted voice for many, providing a sense of continuity and shared experience during turbulent times. His influence extended beyond entertainment, shaping public discourse and providing a counter-narrative to official pronouncements.
The departure of Stephen Colbert signifies more than just a change in host; it represents a potential shift in the dynamics of late-night television. As a new host prepares to take the reins, the question remains whether the genre will continue to lean into the politically charged, commentary-driven format that Colbert perfected, or if a different approach will emerge to capture the evolving attention of audiences. The legacy of Colbert’s Late Show is one of sharp wit, unwavering topicality, and a profound ability to connect with viewers during a period of significant national upheaval, all while maintaining a deep commitment to the art of comedy.
