The Legacy of ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ Lives on in Chicago

CBS has concluded ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,’ but its essence persists at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. The show’s set, including desk and chairs, journeyed from a New Jersey warehouse to the museum on Randolph Street, now forming a lasting exhibit in the city where Colbert honed his comedy.

David Plier, the museum’s chairman and CEO, noted the significance of acquiring the set. CBS ended the show when it was thriving; its May 21 finale garnered 6.74 million viewers, a peak in Colbert’s 11-year tenure. The set embodies more than Chicago’s broadcast past, aspiring to represent late-night TV broadly.

The network donated ‘The Late Show’ set, which arrived amidst lunchtime city bustle. Former host David Letterman once dropped chairs from the theater’s roof; however, those were extras, leaving the primary pieces intact for display. This includes Colbert’s original desk and chairs now showcased in the ‘Evolution of Late Night Television’ exhibition receiving attention at the museum.

The museum, an eclectic 40-year-old establishment, faced closure in recent years. It was initially established by Bruce Dumont in 1987 and relocated multiple times, finally reopening in the West Loop in 2023. With a $2.5 million grant from Chicago, Plier aims for permanency and national recognition. Future plans may involve renaming the museum and expanding its mission while retaining its Chicago roots.

The late-night exhibit joins others, like Johnny Carson’s ‘Tonight Show’ and Bill Clinton’s saxophone performance on ‘The Arsenio Hall Show.’ There are also elements like ‘Triumph the Insult Comic Dog’ from ‘Late Night With Conan O’Brien.’

Although exhibits continue to focus on Chicago broadcasting, such as ‘Bozo’s Circus’ and ‘Svengoolie,’ the National Radio Hall of Fame resides there too. The cancellation of ‘The Late Show,’ costing CBS millions, coincided with a corporate merger effort. The museum anticipates the new exhibit’s popularity and hopes Colbert will attend its unveiling.

Moving to other Chicago media events, a lawsuit has been filed against WGN-TV, owned by Nexstar Media, for allegedly misrepresenting a known fraudster, leading to significant financial losses for many residents. The case follows allegations the station promoted fraudulent investment advice through its platforms. Additionally, Chicago sports enthusiasts remember Stacey King, a former Bulls player and notable broadcaster, who passed away at 59. His entertaining commentary left a lasting mark on sports broadcasting in the region.

Finally, Ryan Baker, a long-time Chicago sports anchor, is transitioning from WBBM-Ch. 2 to lead a nonprofit youth golf organization, marking a significant career shift.