Stephen Colbert bid farewell to The Late Show in what was anticipated to be a significant cultural moment, marking the end of an era for one of late-night television’s most prominent figures. Following CBS’s announcement of the show’s cancellation the previous year, Colbert had hinted at a more politically charged approach, declaring that “the gloves are off,” signaling a shift towards unfiltered political commentary.
However, the final episode seemed to veer towards a more comforting tone rather than the anticipated confrontational stance, missing an opportunity to showcase Colbert’s trademark political satire that had defined his career. The penultimate episode, though, did offer glimpses of Colbert’s sharp wit, with notable moments such as Robert De Niro joking about missing Epstein files and Bruce Springsteen performing a protest song named Streets of Minneapolis, inspired by recent events.
The final show featured a star-studded lineup, including appearances by Sir Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, and Colbert’s fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, and Seth Meyers. Despite the absence of Colbert’s signature political edge, the episode was filled with musical performances, gratitude, and a humorous “interdimensional wormhole” sketch, avoiding direct political references.
Late-night television tradition has historically seen finales as more celebratory than contentious, with a focus on reflection, gratitude, and celebrity tributes. Colbert’s farewell, while lacking in political intensity, followed this well-established formula, leaving some viewers hoping for a more politically charged send-off.
The finale’s guest list underscored a lack of diversity in late-night television, with predominantly white male celebrities making appearances. This lack of representation reflects a broader diversity issue in the late-night genre, where attempts to diversify hosts have faced challenges, as seen in the struggles of shows like Patriot Act and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.
Colbert’s farewell highlighted the ongoing struggle for diverse voices in late-night comedy and the need for innovation in content delivery to cater to evolving audience preferences. While the finale leaned towards nostalgia and gratitude, some viewers expected a more critical and forward-looking perspective from Colbert, especially given his history of blending comedy with political commentary.
Ultimately, Colbert’s choice to opt for a more comforting tone in his farewell has sparked discussions about the role of late-night hosts in addressing societal issues and the expectations placed on them to use their platforms for meaningful commentary. The finale, while a tribute to the past, left a sense of missed opportunity for a more impactful and politically charged conclusion.