The Late Show
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is an American late-night talk show hosted by Stephen Colbert that premiered on September 8, 2015. It is the second iteration of the Late Show franchise, succeeding Late Show with David Letterman which ran from 1993 to 2015. Produced by CBS Studios and Spartina Productions, the show is broadcast Monday through Friday at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
The program features Colbert's opening monologue, interviews with celebrity guests, musical performances, and various comedic segments. Following his highly successful satirical persona on Comedy Central's The Colbert Report, Colbert transitioned to hosting The Late Show as himself, though still incorporating his sharp wit and political commentary. In May 2024, Colbert announced that The Late Show would conclude its run in May 2026, bringing an end to his tenure after eleven years.
History and Development
Succession to David Letterman
The history of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is intrinsically linked to its predecessor. On April 3, 2014, David Letterman announced his retirement from Late Show, sparking widespread speculation about his successor. On April 10, 2014, CBS officially announced that Stephen Colbert would take over as host. This marked a significant shift, as Colbert was widely known for his satirical, right-wing pundit character on The Colbert Report, a persona he would abandon for his new role.
Pre-Production and Launch
Colbert's contract with CBS officially began in 2015. The show's production team was assembled, with Jon Stewart, Colbert's former boss and mentor from The Daily Show, serving as an executive producer. The show's house band, Stay Human, led by bandleader Jon Batiste, was announced, bringing a vibrant musical element to the program. The historic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, which had housed Letterman's Late Show for over two decades, underwent renovations to accommodate the new production.
The premiere episode aired on September 8, 2015, featuring actor George Clooney and Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush as guests. The initial episodes saw Colbert finding his footing as himself, rather than his established character, a transition that was closely watched by critics and audiences alike.
Format and Content
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert generally adheres to the traditional late-night talk show format but infuses it with Colbert's unique comedic sensibilities and intellectual depth.
Opening Monologue
Each episode typically begins with Colbert delivering an opening monologue, often incorporating current events, political news, and pop culture commentary. His monologues are known for their sharp writing, wordplay, and Colbert's expressive delivery.
Desk Segments and Sketches
Following the monologue, Colbert often transitions to various desk segments, which can include:
- Meanwhile...: A popular recurring segment where Colbert shares bizarre or humorous news stories and observations that didn't make it into the main monologue.
- The Werd: A callback to his Colbert Report segment "The Word," featuring a satirical analysis of a concept or phrase, often accompanied by on-screen graphics.
- Cold Opens: Short, pre-taped sketches or animations that air before the opening credits, often parodying political figures or news events.
- Audience Q&A: Occasional segments where Colbert interacts directly with the studio audience.
Interviews
A core component of the show, Colbert conducts interviews with a diverse range of guests, including actors, musicians, authors, politicians, and public figures. His interview style is characterized by genuine curiosity, thoughtful questions, and an ability to engage guests in both humorous and serious conversations. He is particularly adept at interviewing political figures, often challenging them with sharp, informed questions while maintaining a respectful demeanor.
Musical Performances
The show regularly features musical guests, performing on a dedicated stage. Jon Batiste and Stay Human often participate in these performances or provide musical interludes throughout the show.
Jon Batiste and Stay Human
Jon Batiste served as the show's bandleader and musical director from its inception until August 2022, when he departed to pursue other creative endeavors. Under his leadership, Stay Human provided vibrant musical accompaniment, often incorporating impromptu jams and interacting with Colbert. Since Batiste's departure, a rotating roster of guest musical directors and bands have filled the role.
Impact and Reception
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has garnered significant critical acclaim and commercial success, particularly for its incisive political commentary and Colbert's genuine persona.
Critical Acclaim
Critics have praised Colbert's ability to seamlessly blend political satire with traditional late-night entertainment. His interviews are often highlighted for their depth and his capacity to elicit thoughtful responses from guests. The show's writing, particularly for its monologues and political segments, has been consistently lauded.
Ratings Performance
After an initial period of finding its audience, The Late Show saw a significant surge in viewership, especially during the 2016 United States presidential election and the Trump presidency. Colbert's sharp critiques of the political landscape resonated with viewers, often making The Late Show the most-watched program in late-night television.
Awards and Nominations
The show has received numerous accolades, including multiple nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Talk Series. Stephen Colbert himself has been nominated for and won various awards for his hosting.
Cultural Significance
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has played a notable role in American political discourse and popular culture. Its nightly commentary on major events, particularly during politically charged times, has made it a significant platform for public discussion and comedic relief. Colbert's ability to pivot between sharp political satire and moments of genuine emotion and sincerity has solidified his place as a prominent voice in late-night television.
Notable Moments and Interviews
Throughout its run, The Late Show has produced many memorable segments and interviews:
- Post-Election Monologues (2016): Colbert's emotional and thoughtful monologues following the 2016 election and subsequent political events were widely praised for their honesty and resonance.
- Interviews with Political Figures: Colbert has conducted notable interviews with figures such as Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and various members of Congress, often challenging them while maintaining a respectful and engaging dialogue.
- Musical Collaborations: The show has featured unique musical performances and collaborations, often involving Jon Batiste and guest artists.
- COVID-19 Pandemic Broadcasts: Like other late-night shows, The Late Show adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by broadcasting from Colbert's home, offering a more intimate and personal viewing experience during a challenging time.
The Announcement of Conclusion
On May 24, 2024, Stephen Colbert announced during an episode of The Late Show that the program would conclude its run in May 2026. The announcement cited the natural conclusion of his contract and a desire to explore new creative endeavors after over two decades in late-night television (including his time on The Colbert Report). The news sparked widespread discussion about the future of the late-night talk show format, with speculation arising about whether other long-running shows might follow suit. Colbert expressed gratitude to his audience, crew, and network, promising a celebratory farewell over the next two years.
Conclusion
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has established itself as a cornerstone of American late-night television since its debut in 2015. Under Stephen Colbert's insightful and affable leadership, the show successfully navigated the transition from a beloved predecessor, evolving into a critically acclaimed and highly-rated program. Known for its sharp political commentary, engaging interviews, and musical vibrancy, it has left a significant mark on the cultural landscape. As it approaches its planned conclusion in May 2026, The Late Show will be remembered for its unique blend of satire, sincerity, and its enduring relevance in an ever-changing media environment.
