SP
BravenNow
Stephen Colbert’s Long ‘Late Show’ Goodbye Has Gone From Resistance to Ego Trip
| USA | culture | ✓ Verified - variety.com

Stephen Colbert’s Long ‘Late Show’ Goodbye Has Gone From Resistance to Ego Trip

#Stephen Colbert #The Late Show #farewell #ego #criticism #television #resistance

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Stephen Colbert's extended farewell on 'The Late Show' is criticized for shifting from a stance of resistance to perceived self-indulgence.
  • The article suggests the prolonged goodbye reflects a change in Colbert's public persona and approach.
  • Critics argue the farewell has become more about Colbert's ego than its original messaging.
  • The piece highlights a potential disconnect between Colbert's intentions and audience reception.

📖 Full Retelling

Earlier this week, the actor John Lithgow appeared on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and did something that guests on the show have been doing a lot lately: He paid extensive tribute to the host.  Lithgow was so troubled by the idea that Colbert is leaving CBS after 10 years in May — a […]

🏷️ Themes

Celebrity Criticism, Media Commentary

📚 Related People & Topics

Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert

American comedian and television host (born 1964)

Stephen Tyrone Colbert ( kohl-BAIR; born May 13, 1964) is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He is best known for hosting the Comedy Central news satire show The Colbert Report from 2005 to 2014, and the CBS talk show The Late Show with Stephen...

View Profile → Wikipedia ↗

The Late Show

Topics referred to by the same term

The Late Show may refer to:

View Profile → Wikipedia ↗

Ego Trip

Topics referred to by the same term

Ego Trip or Egotrip may refer to:

View Profile → Wikipedia ↗

Entity Intersection Graph

Connections for Stephen Colbert:

🌐 CBS 9 shared
👤 James Talarico 9 shared
👤 The Late Show 7 shared
🌐 The Lord of the Rings 7 shared
👤 Donald Trump 5 shared
View full profile

Mentioned Entities

Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert

American comedian and television host (born 1964)

The Late Show

Topics referred to by the same term

Ego Trip

Topics referred to by the same term

Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This analysis matters because Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' has been a significant cultural and political voice during a turbulent period in American politics, serving as both entertainment and commentary. It affects late-night television viewers, political observers, and the entertainment industry as a whole, as Colbert's show has shaped public discourse and provided satirical resistance to political figures. The transition or conclusion of his show represents a shift in how media engages with politics and could influence the future landscape of political satire on television.

Context & Background

  • Stephen Colbert took over 'The Late Show' from David Letterman in 2015, bringing his unique brand of political satire from 'The Colbert Report' to a broader audience.
  • During the Trump administration, Colbert's show became known for its sharp political commentary and was often described as part of the 'Resistance' media.
  • Late-night television has historically served as a platform for political satire, with figures like Jon Stewart and John Oliver influencing public opinion through humor.
  • Colbert's ratings have fluctuated over the years, often spiking during major political events, highlighting the show's role as both entertainment and news commentary.
  • The landscape of late-night TV has evolved with streaming services and changing viewer habits, impacting traditional network shows like Colbert's.

What Happens Next

If Colbert is indeed preparing to leave 'The Late Show,' we can expect announcements regarding his replacement, potential format changes to the show, and speculation about his future projects. The network will likely conduct a search for a new host, possibly considering figures from comedy, journalism, or other late-night programs. Colbert may transition to other media ventures, such as producing, writing, or hosting specials, while the show itself could rebrand to adapt to shifting audience preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' considered significant in political commentary?

Colbert's show gained prominence for its direct engagement with political issues, particularly during the Trump era, using satire to critique policies and figures. It served as a platform for dissenting voices and became a cultural touchstone for viewers seeking political humor alongside news.

How might Colbert's departure affect late-night television?

His departure could lead to a reshuffling of late-night hosts, with networks potentially seeking fresh voices to attract audiences. It may also signal a shift in how political satire is presented, as new hosts bring different styles and perspectives to the genre.

What has been the public reaction to Colbert's 'goodbye' phase?

Reactions are likely mixed, with some viewers praising his contributions to political discourse and others criticizing any perceived self-indulgence. Media analysts may debate whether his extended farewell enhances his legacy or detracts from his earlier impact.

Could Colbert return to a different role in media after leaving 'The Late Show'?

Yes, Colbert has a diverse background in comedy, writing, and producing, making it plausible he could pursue projects like film, books, or digital content. His experience and fan base provide opportunities for continued influence in entertainment and commentary.

}
Original Source
Mar 12, 2026 7:00am PT Stephen Colbert’s Long ‘Late Show’ Goodbye Has Gone From Resistance to Ego Trip By Daniel D'Addario Plus Icon Daniel D'Addario Chief TV Critic DPD_ Latest Sean Penn, Please Don’t Skip the Oscars 1 day ago ‘Vladimir’ Creator on Bringing Rachel Weisz’s Sexy Heroine to Netflix 7 days ago Should ‘The View’ Bring Back Elisabeth Hasselbeck as Its Conservative Commentator? 1 week ago See All Earlier this week, the actor John Lithgow appeared on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert ” and did something that guests on the show have been doing a lot lately: He paid extensive tribute to the host. Lithgow was so troubled by the idea that Colbert is leaving CBS after 10 years in May — a cancellation that has the appearance of Paramount’s new leadership trying to curry favor with the Trump administration — that he wrote a poem. Reading this ode , entitled “The Mighty Colbert,” Lithgow honored the “sublime masterworks” that are Colbert’s monologues, and asked, “So why is he canceled? Why trash all that pleasure? Why yank off the air this beloved national treasure?” (The answer, in Lithgow’s verse, was “a boss with thin skin and no laughter.”) The show’s host sat smiling as Lithgow laid it on ever thicker, declaring at one point that Colbert, in the years ahead, will “only get better, like aging fine wine.” Related Stories Broadway Across America's 2026 Conference Finds Elton John Championing 'Devil Wears Prada' as John Legend, TLC and More Make Their Pitch
Read full article at source

Source

variety.com

More from USA

News from Other Countries

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

🇺🇦 Ukraine