Stephen Colbert bid farewell to The Late Show in what was anticipated to be a significant cultural event, marking the end of an era for one of late-night television’s most iconic figures. Following CBS’s announcement of the show’s cancellation last year, Colbert hinted at a more politically charged approach, emphasizing that he would no longer hold back. However, the final episode seemed more focused on providing comfort rather than delivering the biting political satire that had defined Colbert’s career.
The second-to-last episode, which aired the day before, showcased glimpses of Colbert’s usual sharp humor, albeit with the guests taking center stage. Renowned actor Robert De Niro humorously touched on missing Epstein files, while Bruce Springsteen performed a protest song titled Streets of Minneapolis, inspired by recent events. Springsteen expressed support for Colbert, highlighting the challenges faced by comedians in a political climate where humor is often met with resistance.
Despite high expectations for a politically charged finale, the star-studded last episode of The Late Show leaned more towards a jovial atmosphere filled with musical performances and expressions of gratitude. Colbert shared the stage with Sir Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, bandleaders Louis Cato and Jon Batiste, and engaged in a whimsical “interdimensional wormhole” sketch, steering clear of overt political commentary.
Traditionally, network television has approached show finales as ceremonial occasions rather than platforms for controversy. Late-night hosts such as Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, David Letterman, and Conan O’Brien have typically opted for warm, reflective farewells, avoiding divisive political discourse. Colbert’s departure adhered to this convention, featuring a mix of monologues, retrospectives, celebrity tributes, and acknowledgments of staff and fans.
The guest lineup on Colbert’s final show predominantly comprised white male celebrities, underscoring a lack of diversity in late-night television. While the evening included self-aware moments and lighthearted jokes addressing this imbalance, it reflected a broader issue within the industry. Late-night comedy continues to struggle with diversification, with attempts to introduce new voices often met with challenges and limited success.
Colbert’s farewell aligns with a broader trend in late-night TV, where experimentation with diverse hosts has yielded mixed outcomes. As the landscape of late-night entertainment evolves, there is a growing need to adapt to changing audience preferences and consumption habits. The shift towards online platforms like TikTok and YouTube presents opportunities for innovative content delivery but also raises questions about sustaining incisive, diverse voices outside the confines of traditional network television.
Colbert’s decision to craft a nostalgic and sentimental finale, rather than a politically charged one, disappointed some viewers who had hoped for a more critical send-off. While there is merit in providing a sense of closure and warmth after years of intense media scrutiny, there was also an expectation for Colbert to use his final episode to make a bold statement about the future. By opting for a more subdued approach, Colbert missed an opportunity to leverage his platform for meaningful discourse and inspire societal change.