Stephen Colbert’s Impact and Legacy as ‘The Late Show’ Ends

Stephen Colbert hosted “The Late Show” for the first time in 2015. During his debut, he humorously criticized Donald Trump while indulging in Oreos, comparing his inability to resist the cookies to his compulsion to critique Trump. At the time, Colbert confidently asserted that he could create a successful TV show without constant references to Trump, suggesting he could maintain dignity in his television persona.

Over the subsequent years, Colbert continuously targeted Trump, using his show to vocally oppose MAGA policies. In response, Trump labeled him a “dead man walking.” The on-air contention between the two concludes as “The Late Show” airs its final episode, a significant loss of a notable critic of the White House.

Heather Hendershot, a communications and journalism professor, emphasized the show’s legacy as one potentially canceled due to presidential influence. Although evidence is not entirely conclusive, she suggests the narrative will persist that it succumbed to political pressures.

Last summer, CBS announced the end of Colbert’s show, citing financial reasons. However, skepticism persists among various individuals, including Colbert, about Trump’s criticisms being unrelated to the decision. The announcement coincided with CBS’s parent company, Paramount, settling a legal dispute with Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview for $16 million. This occurred while Paramount’s sale to Skydance Media awaited governmental approval. Colbert described the settlement as a “big fat bribe.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump celebrated Colbert’s show’s cancellation, hinting at Jimmy Kimmel potentially facing similar consequences. Indeed, Kimmel’s show was briefly suspended due to pressure from Trump-associated entities, marking a rare instance where a popular show faced termination due to political forces. A comparable event occurred in 1969 when CBS canceled “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” amid its critical political content.

Colbert, who gained fame through “The Colbert Report” by portraying a satirical conservative figure, initially met resistance from those he mocked, with Rush Limbaugh claiming CBS waged “war on the heartland of America” by hiring Colbert. Yet, through various administrations, late-night hosts like Colbert offered perspectives on daily events diverging from traditional media narratives. According to Dustin Kidd, a sociology professor, these unique viewpoints helped audiences manage overwhelming news by offering humor.

Colbert brought a distinct style to “The Late Show,” with a blend of standard elements like celebrity interviews and quirky segments like “Meanwhile” and “Cyborgasm.” The show, starting in 1993 with David Letterman, won awards under Colbert’s leadership, including two Emmys and a Peabody Award.

As of Friday, his time slot will be filled by “Comics Unleashed,” a talk show aiming to avoid political content. Lisa Rogak, a biographer, expressed doubt that anyone would fill the void Colbert left behind.

Notable figures such as Neil deGrasse Tyson admired Colbert, who highlighted scientific achievements with segments like “The Sound of Science.” Tyson acknowledged science’s limited presence in mainstream pop culture and how Colbert’s inclusion was significant. Unlike past rivalries among late-night hosts, many, including Jimmy Kimmel and John Oliver, have shown solidarity with Colbert, participating in events like the “Strike Force Five” podcast during Hollywood strikes.

Colbert’s candid discussions on religious topics and his ability to quote scriptures made him a noteworthy figure among Catholics. His interviews often ventured into profound topics, such as grief discussions with Joe Biden and Anderson Cooper and exploring the roles of faith and comedy.

Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien also admired Colbert for his evident passion for “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” Engaging with these works fueled his segments and competitions with guests. Duane Cronkite pointed out Colbert’s efforts in promoting a community-oriented perspective through his career.

As he co-writes a new “Lord of the Rings” film, Colbert continues his journey, realizing a fan’s ultimate dream. His enthusiasm for Tolkien encourages enthusiasts of all ages, exemplified by his public, enthusiastic embrace of “nerdy” literature, as noted by Timothy Lenz.