Stephen Colbert’s Final Week and Self-Reflection
Many believe that Stephen Colbert’s humor falls flat because he lacks the ability to poke fun at himself. Throughout his time at Comedy Central and on his show, he often targeted right-wing figures, particularly those from FOX News.
It’s not just that Colbert seems to lack a genuine sense of humor; he also appears to be missing warmth and that relatable charm you might find in someone you’d want to grab a drink with (personally, I’d opt for Jon Stewart in that scenario). He seems devoid of any humility, which is puzzling.
Even as he approaches the end of his run on Late Show, I find myself bemused by the level of self-admiration that he’s showcasing to a dwindling audience. CBS, it seems, has taken quite a financial hit, losing millions each year, largely due to Colbert’s approach.
Reflecting on his pride and the self-indulgence on display, it’s surprising how he can brush off the notion that his show is veering into a downward spiral. Instead, he casts himself as a political martyr, claiming financial woes tied to Donald Trump, despite a lack of substantial evidence that those figures were accurate.
On Wednesday night, during what was effectively his second-to-last show, the levels of self-adulation reached new heights. He managed to answer his well-known “Colbert Questionato,” reveling in the moment.
His guest list—filled with notable names—was quite impressive. Former CBS Evening News Anchor John Dickerson moderated the segment, and stars like Billy Crystal, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and many others took their turns at Colbert’s desk to discuss him. Dickerson commented on diving “into the depths of Stephen Colbert.”
What resonates with me is this: it felt less like a celebration of humor and more of a look-at-me moment. It highlighted how highly he regards himself and the celebrity connections he enjoys.
To me, the culmination of his self-reverence was palpable last night.
While traditional views on faith and morality may offer clear-cut ideas of heaven and hell, Colbert seems to offer his own take on reality with an air of confidence.
The anticipation is building for his final show, although details about the guests remain under wraps. It’s hard to gauge what he might have in mind. But let’s be honest—most Americans probably aren’t too invested in it, and while they may not literally celebrate their own images in extreme ways, there’s a sense that they don’t expect much more.
For a true sense of a farewell, one might look back at Johnny Carson’s final episodes on YouTube. It was a moment filled with class, in stark contrast to the current atmosphere.
