CBS Cancels “Late Show with Stephen Colbert”
The recent decision by CBS to cancel “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” hit the media world like a bombshell. To get a clearer picture of Colbert’s journey—a rise adorned with humor and satire, then a fall—it helps to revisit his origins as a parodying Republican.
Colbert gained prominence through Comedy Central’s “Daily Show” back in the early 2000s, later launching his own parody news program, “The Colbert Report,” in 2005, which further solidified his fame.
His creations often featured over-the-top conservative characters, like the memorable Lomburgundy, which Colbert described as “an intentional, well-informed, high-status idiot.” This comedic persona has been his signature for two decades.
In essence, for all these years, Colbert has embodied a type of Republican, reflecting figures like Donald Trump and Mitt Romney, portraying them as absurd, yet occasionally misguided.
Many might recall how figures like George W. Bush were once painted as war criminals by the left, but there’s a peculiar, renewed respect for him in today’s political climate. In contrast, Colbert caricatured a naïve and somewhat gullible side of Republicans, who, although greedy, were not perceived as a direct threat to democracy.
Colbert took over the “Late Show” in September 2015, just after Trump’s surprising election win against Hillary Clinton. This transition begs a question—was the Colbert we saw the real person or merely a character he crafted?
Shortly after starting on “Late Show,” a new phrase began circulating: “Never play cards.” It seemed to capture the awareness among some Republicans of their shifting standings in the current political landscape. Colbert’s act fit comfortably into this narrative.
It’s interesting, though, that Colbert had been playing the role of a conservative for only a decade by 2015. Yet, this facade amplified Trump’s own criticism about public figures and expertise.
For ten years, Colbert shifted to a tone of outrage, beckoning viewers to trust “experts” on varied topics, from vaccines to election integrity, while maintaining serious commentary on Trump’s actions. It felt like the very essence of his lampoons had become tired.
News of Colbert’s cancellation was met with rhetoric from left-leaning circles, framing it as a warning against government censorship. This perception is, however, rather exaggerated.
As some speculate, if CBS turns its back on Trump amid potential mergers, Colbert would certainly be missed. But his standing as a key figure in late-night television is increasingly questioned.
The root of Colbert’s career—the character he built over time—appears to be crumbling, especially noticeable to those who have spent years opposing Trump. The caricature of the mid-level manager he often played doesn’t resonate with reality for many viewers today.
Johnny Carson, a former king of late-night, often simply made people laugh rather than delve into political sermons. Carson’s light-hearted humor stands in stark contrast to Colbert’s now somewhat stale routine.
Tragically, although Colbert had a singular joke for years, that joke seems to have lost its appeal. Under Trump’s shadow, both the “Late Show” and Colbert’s satire seem to have reached an impasse.
