It seems like the curtain is finally closing on what some once considered a premier spot on late-night television. Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” on CBS is set to end next year, marking a significant shake-up in the realm of late-night comedy. For those who may not have tuned in lately, Colbert’s show has been heavily criticized for straying from comedy and leaning into what some call “political activism.” As this era of late-night talk shows winds down, it’s hard not to notice how dramatically these shows have changed from when giants like Johnny Carson and Jay Leno graced our screens.
Stephen Colbert took over the “Late Show” from David Letterman, who, to be frank, left him some pretty big shoes to fill. Letterman was an icon, a true king of late-night who had folks laughing for decades. Colbert’s departure, however, seems less of a send-off and more of an exclamation mark on a series that fell out of line with its viewers’ tastes. His routine over the years often involved jabs at conservatives and, more specifically, former President Trump. While that might have pleased a particular audience segment, many viewers, it seems, opted to change the channel.
Despite holding the top spot among the big three late-night hosts for ratings, attracting around 2 million viewers, CBS decided to conclude the show due to financial reasons. The trajectory for Colbert and his cohorts hasn’t been great. Jimmy Kimmel, for instance, is not far behind in terms of viewership, but he, too, seems to be facing a rocky road with his own show. Criticism for Kimmel is similar: a shift from classic comedy to political commentary that has alienated many viewers. It’s hard to watch if you’re expecting humor and light-hearted fun.
As we look to the future of late-night TV, the landscape is shifting. It seems the blend of humor and politics hasn’t worked out for Colbert, and quite possibly, others might follow. The audience wants a place where they can laugh without feeling like they’re sitting down for a political lecture. Will the next generation of hosts bring back the art of comedy that speaks to everyone, or will we continue to see this divide? One thing is for sure: if late-night TV wants to survive in the age of streaming and endless content choices, it’ll need to find a new rhythm that strikes a chord with a broader audience.
