The End of ‘The Late Show’: A Setback for Late-Night TV but a New Chapter for Stephen Colbert

The cancellation of 'The Late Show' might prove to be a turning point that benefits Stephen Colbert personally, though it represents a significant loss for the late-night television landscape.

Historically, figures like Conan O’Brien and David Letterman found renewed acclaim after setbacks in their careers, such as losing coveted time slots or hosting roles. Until recently, Colbert led in ratings within a genre that has been steadily losing its cultural foothold.

CBS announced the program’s end next May, citing financial concerns amid its parent company’s pending merger approval. Colbert, recognized for his pointed critiques of political figures, now enters a unique phase where his show will receive heightened attention during its final months while positioning him for future endeavors.

Combining sharp comedic aggression with refined charm, Colbert established himself as one of the most engaging interviewers among his peers, with politically charged monologues that helped sustain his audience. Yet, the traditional late-night format did not always fully accommodate the breadth of his abilities.

His rapid-fire improvisation and intellectual insights occasionally felt constrained by the brief segment style of the show. When delving into subjects like Tolkien, spirituality, or comedy history, his content often seemed better suited to longer-form platforms such as podcasts.

Before hosting 'The Late Show,' Colbert earned acclaim through his work with Second City, writing comedy, and as a correspondent on 'The Daily Show.' However, it was 'The Colbert Report' that marked a groundbreaking reinvention of late-night satire, where he masterfully portrayed a conservative pundit persona, blending humor and critique while leading guests into insightful discussions. This nuanced performance stands as one of the era’s most remarkable comedic achievements.