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 iconic figures. Following the announcement of the show’s cancellation by CBS last year, Colbert had hinted at taking a more politically charged approach, suggesting that “the gloves are off,” allowing him to delve into political commentary without restraint.
However, the actual farewell episode on Thursday appeared to prioritize providing comfort rather than engaging in confrontational political satire, which was seen by some as a missed opportunity to showcase Colbert’s renowned sharp political edge. The penultimate episode the previous day did showcase glimpses of Colbert’s traditional biting humor, although the focus was more on the guests.
During the farewell episode, renowned actor Robert De Niro playfully referenced missing Epstein files, while musician Bruce Springsteen performed a protest song titled Streets of Minneapolis, inspired by recent anti-ICE demonstrations. The episode was filled with camaraderie and appreciation, featuring musical performances by Sir Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, and The Late Show bandleaders Louis Cato and Jon Batiste, intertwined with a recurring “interdimensional wormhole” sketch, without direct political references.
Traditionally, network television finales have leaned towards celebratory rather than contentious tones, with late-night hosts often opting for reflective moments, career highlights, gratitude towards their teams and fans, and celebrity tributes. Colbert’s farewell echoed this pattern, eschewing divisive politics for a more sentimental approach, which stood out to viewers expecting his signature political commentary.
The guest lineup for Colbert’s finale predominantly comprised white male figures, reflecting a broader issue of diversity in late-night television. Despite efforts to diversify late-night hosting, challenges persist in nurturing and sustaining diverse voices within the genre, as shown by the mixed outcomes of various attempts.
Colbert’s farewell episode, while receiving praise for its nostalgic and appreciative tone, faced criticism for not leveraging its global platform to deliver a more incisive message, especially in a political climate ripe for satire and critique. The choice to focus on gratitude and sentimentality over political provocation left some viewers feeling that a more assertive stance could have resonated more powerfully.
In a time when boldness and activism are increasingly valued, Colbert’s decision to prioritize warmth over controversy in his farewell raised questions about the role of late-night comedy in shaping public discourse and inspiring social change.
