Stephen Colbert’s Final Year at CBS Concludes
Stephen Colbert’s last year on CBS has been marked by his sharp criticism of President Donald Trump and a strong leaning towards leftist viewpoints. This chapter wraps up as his show comes to a close this Thursday night.
Colbert, who took the reins of “The Late Show” after David Letterman’s retirement in 2015, transformed the late-night platform into what some might call #ResistanceTV. His monologues frequently focused on promoting Democratic ideals while targeting Trump and his policies.
Following CBS’s announcement of the show’s cancellation, set for July 2025, Colbert launched into what he referred to as a year-long journey. In July, he boldly proclaimed he would “take the gloves off for the next 10 months.”
Colbert Critiques CBS on Cancellation
After the president made light of the cancellation, Colbert, ever the jokester, quipped, “Go ahead, do it yourself” during an episode.
His show has been a platform for numerous guests who align with his progressive stance—figures like Jen Psaki, Chris Hayes, and Rachel Maddow have all graced the stage. Even Barack Obama stirred laughter earlier this month, poking fun at Trump and suggesting Colbert would make a better president.
Democratic Leaders Praise Colbert’s Courage
As Colbert gears up to leave, a host of notable Democratic figures have paid homage to his contributions. Politicians such as Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Michelle Obama have appeared on his show, making it a frequent gathering spot for Democratic leadership.
Hollywood personalities also came out in force to honor Colbert. Bette Midler humorously altered her iconic song to take jabs at Trump while encouraging the audience to join in singing, “I’ve never kissed an orange.”
Colbert Calls Out Paramount
Colbert has not held back in criticizing Paramount, CBS’s parent company, which had settled with Trump over a legal suit regarding election interference. In a rather tongue-in-cheek remark, he characterized the settlement as a “huge bribe,” indicative of the financial maneuvers aimed at securing government approval for the company’s merger with Skydance Media.
Days after he made these comments, CBS confirmed that the final episode of “The Late Show” would air in May 2026. CBS framed the cancellation as a necessary economic decision, though many speculate it was influenced by a desire to align with political powers.
Colbert has consistently used his platform to voice discontent with CBS management. He remarked critically that the cancellation reinforced a narrative of capitulating to Trump.
Reflections on Colbert’s Tenure
As his show wraps up, critics like Daniel Daddario from Variety have weighed in. While acknowledging the accolades Colbert received, he suggested that the focus on this self-congratulatory tone made for lackluster television, especially for viewers seeking a political edge.
In a moment that encapsulated both humor and poignancy, David Letterman, on his last special appearance, tossed items off a building in a nod to his own show-ending antics. He thanked Colbert for everything he contributed, leaving behind a resonant farewell.
Despite all the accolades, questions remain about the relevance of Colbert’s show in today’s media landscape. Is the political audience served effectively? That’s a matter yet to be settled as we bid farewell to a notable era in late-night television.
