In the latest twist of network television drama, it seems the spectacle of late-night TV has taken another tumble, or rather a comedic dive, as CBS reportedly decided to bid farewell to Stephen Colbert and his stint on The Late Show. Yes, the camera lights are dimming, the set is being dismantled, and somewhere, broadcast legend Johnny Carson is probably rolling his eyes in his heavenly seat.
Once upon a time, The Late Show was a beacon of comedic brilliance, helmed by icons like David Letterman, who somehow managed to poke fun at everyone across the political spectrum while still keeping the world chuckling. However, as the rugged trooper Colbert trudged along for nearly a decade, the show reportedly decided to trade genuine laughs for political soapboxing, or at least that’s what some critics are saying. Those tuning in for a good old-fashioned laugh were instead served hefty doses of political rhetoric, which, by many accounts, may have turned away some folks who preferred checking out of the daily grind with a hearty laugh rather than a heated argument.
As predictions of financial decisions swirl around the decision to give Colbert the boot, it might just seem like yet another case of retired viewership. Nobody cares to switch channels just to watch someone clumsily juggle political grenades without a punchline in sight. The chatter suggests ratings took such a nosedive, they could probably challenge SpaceX for a landing spot.
Adding to this televised tale, there’s speculation running rampant that a political vendetta might be secretly brewing in the background. Some murmurings suggest that Colbert’s critique of his network’s dealings with former President Trump might have contributed to CBS putting the kibosh not only on his show but pulling the plug on the entire franchise.
On social media, it seems like conservative voices are getting a kick out of the unfolding drama. People seem to be betting on where the next late-night ax will fall, postulating if Jimmy Kimmel may very well be in the metaphorical line of fire. As it turns out, perhaps the simplest recipe for a healthy late-night roster of jokes might just be the type that doesn’t champion parties or make heroes out of politicians but instead pokes fun at everyone equally, while leaving politics at the door.
In any case, as the curtains draw on one of late-night’s most divisive chapters, it serves as a lighthearted reminder that above all, humor thrives best when it pulls everyone onto the stage of ridicule, leaving the audience—political leanings aside—wiping away tears of laughter instead of frustration.
