“The Slow Show with Stephen Colbert” has come to an end, largely due to a combination of hubris and the harsh realities of the economy.
It appears to have lost its place among late-night hosts. The content seemed largely focused on political mockery rather than genuine comedy. Comedians like Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel repeatedly criticized Trump, labeling him “silly” and “orange,” which may have contributed to waning viewership.
Colbert often displayed a brand of smugness, pretending to be inclusive while disparaging the American public for voting for Trump. The production costs for his show were staggering—around $100 million each year—with losses nearing $40 million. It’s quite astounding, really. Although he projects disdain for wealth, Colbert himself earns about $20 million. His guests were mostly from the left-wing, often lesser-known entertainers or politicians, and it’s unclear if they ever compensated for the jokes, which sometimes felt uninspired.
It’s perplexing how Trump can be blamed for a $40 million annual deficit leading to cancellation.
Unfortunately, Colbert and Kimmel, along with Fallon to a lesser extent, have shifted the late-night landscape towards a more politicized format. Historically, hosts like Carson, Leno, and even Letterman managed to balance their political commentary while being genuinely engaging. Late-night shows used to be a mix of entertainment and critique, yet now they seem more like platforms for progressive viewpoints.
Thanks to these shifts, there seems to be a decline in edgy comedic content from the left. It feels as though they’ve become trapped by the political correctness they’ve fostered. This environment has led to a lack of genuine humor, replaced instead by forced smiles and awkward silence. Nowadays, kids often gauge whether it’s acceptable to laugh, and stand-up comedians are hesitant to tackle sensitive topics for fear of backlash. The days of loud, unapologetic laughter seem long gone.
As a side note, after writing humor columns for 25 years, I believe we should embrace humor more openly. Yet, there’s a lingering feeling on the left that takes offense too easily. For instance, amidst the Christmas season and discussions surrounding biblical stories, I made a joke that confused some religious individuals about the naming of Jesus. While some found it offensive, they didn’t attempt to silence me; they voiced their discontent and moved on.
Honest voices among left-leaning commentators might include Bill Maher and Jon Stewart. When Kimmel and Colbert insisted that the COVID virus stemmed from a wet market rather than acknowledging its lab origins, both Maher and Stewart called out the narrative for what it was, showing a level of integrity Colbert lacked.
Colbert and Kimmel seem to represent the elite coastal viewpoints. Honestly, I haven’t found them particularly engaging for years. They don’t delve into balanced discussions or provoke thought. Both seem to be hesitant, and their shows have echoed the fears of cultural shifts under Obama and Biden. It appears CBS lost its backbone during Trump’s term and is no longer sidelining the voices of the more vocal left.
There’s little appetite for humor centered on the DNC’s talking points. True humor contains elements of honesty, while many left-leaning narratives feel disingenuous. The market seems to have reacted accordingly, and perhaps we should take a moment to appreciate that.
With a continuous focus on Trump as a target and a lack of viable policies, House Democrats are obsessively investigating him because of Colbert’s cancellation. If Trump had indeed orchestrated that, one might suggest it serves as a lesson in restraint—demonstrating that involvement need not equate to aggression.
They’ve run out of ways to label Trump as “Hitler,” but that doesn’t stop the attempts. Some argue that Colbert’s firing can be equated to fascism, drawing parallels to historical figures like Hitler and Mussolini who targeted comedians in their quests for power.
This cancellation signifies a decline in optimism and growing intolerance, which is often masked as higher ideals. What’s next for Colbert? It seems he’ll be dedicating more time to lamenting alongside like-minded individuals.
Some may view this as a positive development.
From here on, I’m curious to hear more from dissatisfied progressives.
A libertarian humorist and author, Ron has experience in radio and television. You can reach him through personal channels.
