Stephen Colbert bid farewell to The Late Show in what many anticipated to be a significant cultural event marking the end of an era in late-night TV. Last year, CBS announced the show’s cancellation, prompting Colbert to tease viewers that he would no longer hold back, allowing him to delve into political topics without reservation.
However, the actual farewell episode on Thursday appeared more focused on providing comfort rather than engaging in hard-hitting political discourse, disappointing some who were hoping for Colbert’s trademark satirical take on current events. The penultimate episode the day before did offer glimpses of Colbert’s sharper edge, although guests were the primary focus.
During the penultimate episode, Oscar winner Robert De Niro humorously mentioned missing Epstein files, and Bruce Springsteen performed a protest song titled Streets of Minneapolis, inspired by recent anti-ICE crackdowns. Springsteen expressed support for Colbert, remarking on the challenges of humor in the current political climate.
The finale, featuring star-studded appearances and musical performances, lacked Colbert’s usual political fervor, opting instead for a friendly and grateful atmosphere. The episode included performances by Sir Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Louis Cato, and former bandleader Jon Batiste, with a recurring “interdimensional wormhole” sketch tying it all together without any overt political references.
Traditionally, network television treats finales as ceremonial affairs rather than contentious battlegrounds, often steering clear of divisive topics. Colbert’s farewell, in line with this tradition, focused on reflection, career retrospection, and celebrity tributes, rather than provocative political commentary.
The guest list for Colbert’s finale mainly comprised white male celebrities, highlighting a lack of diversity in late-night television. This issue is not unique to Colbert’s show but reflects a broader trend in the industry, where diverse voices have struggled for representation on mainstream platforms.
Colbert’s farewell underscores ongoing challenges in late-night comedy, as the genre evolves to cater to online audiences. While the industry grapples with these changes, established hosts like Colbert continue to dominate, raising questions about opportunities for new and diverse voices to emerge.
Colbert’s decision to prioritize nostalgia and gratitude over confrontation in his finale sparked mixed reactions among viewers. While some appreciated the warmth and sentimentality of the farewell, others felt it missed an opportunity to make a bold statement in a time of political unrest, urging for more accountability from those in power.