Stephen Colbert’s final episode of Late Show received criticism from Variety, labeling it as “disappointing.” The publication argued that Colbert struggled with both skits and celebrity interviews.
Eventually, CBS let Colbert go after years of declining ratings and a substantial budget deficit of $40 million.
On Thursday night, Colbert broadcast his last show from the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. As per Variety, it left much to be desired.
Television critic Daniel Daddario expressed disappointment, noting that even during his farewell performance, “Colbert ultimately couldn’t escape being Colbert,” highlighting his shortcomings. Critics noted, “Sadly, he lacks talent in interviews as well as sketches.”
Daddario specifically called out Colbert for monopolizing the conversation during his guest, Beatles icon Paul McCartney’s, segment.
In one awkward moment, Colbert asked McCartney if he had ever met the Pope—a question that seemed more about bragging than relevance. Daddario pointed out that McCartney hadn’t met the Pope, yet Colbert was trying to one-up him.
Daddario also remarked on Colbert’s tendency to join McCartney as a backup singer during classic Beatles performances, questioning why he felt it necessary to insert himself on stage during McCartney’s performance.
The critic also mentioned an “over-the-top” segment where the Pope refused to come on the show due to facilities not meeting his standards.
Interestingly, Colbert attempted to generate excitement for his finale by suggesting in the media that Pope Leo XIV would be his last guest.
Earlier in May, Colbert claimed that bringing the Pope on the show would be his ultimate dream, describing it as his “white whale.” Many outlets seemed to anticipate that he had secured this high-profile appearance.
Variety continued to critique Colbert’s performances, especially a segment titled “Wormhole.”
“One would think Colbert could have devised better material after being anticipated for nearly a year. The pre-recorded sketch about a wormhole consuming his studio, which took a significant portion of the show’s second half, was particularly baffling,” Daddario noted, ultimately dismissing it as “a total waste of time.”
In closing, Daddario remarked that Colbert’s self-importance overshadowed his farewell.
“The conclusion of Colbert’s Late Show seemed to underscore that the host harbored a significant sense of self, allowing guest after guest to pay tribute to his legacy regarding democracy and the broader world,” he summed up.
