A decade of light-night historical past is closing out this week, with Stephen Colbert’s tenure because the host for “The Late Present” coming to an finish on Thursday.
Filmed within the Ed Sullivan Theater, The Late Present is CBS’s flagship late evening discuss present, first airing in 1993 with David Letterman internet hosting. Colbert first joined the present in 2015 following profitable stints at The Every day Present and The Colbert Report, along with his political monologues through the first Trump administration serving to develop his recognition, notably amongst extra liberal viewers.
His vocal critique of Trump can also be seen by many as precipitating the tip of his internet hosting duties.
CBS mother or father firm Paramount introduced final July that this season, which concludes Might 21, could be its ultimate season of The Late Present. CBS has claimed that the cancellation was a monetary determination, however many stay skeptical, pointing to potential pressures by the present administration—which Colbert has extensively criticized.
The announcement got here as the corporate was nonetheless pursuing the merger that created Paramount Skydance, shortly after it reached a $16 million settlement with Trump over an interview that aired on 60 Minutes through the 2024 election.
“He was dumped as a result of the folks promoting the community to Skydance mentioned, “Oh no, there’s not going to be any hassle with that man. We’re going to maintain the present. We’re simply going to throw that into the deal. When will the ink on the examine dry?” Letterman advised The New York Times concerning the cancellation. “I’m simply going to go on file as saying: they’re mendacity.
What’s in retailer?
Forward of the ultimate week CBS announced the present’s final lineup of company and programming, together with main stars, celebrities, and particular segments—though, fairly like Colbert and his workforce’s future, a lot continues to be unsure.
Monday’s present shall be what the community is dubbing “The Worst of ‘The Late Present With Stephen Colbert,” clarifying the present won’t be a clip present and can certainly characteristic new content material.
Tuesday’s present will welcome fellow comic and Colbert’s mentor Jon Stewart, in addition to Steven Spielberg, and a joint musical efficiency from Colbert and David Byrne.
Wednesday, the evening earlier than the present’s finale, will host a efficiency from Bruce Springsteen in addition to one ultimate section of “The Colbert Questionert.”
Visitors for the ultimate episode are but to be introduced, though fellow discuss present hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon have each introduced to air reruns on Thursdays in honor of Colbert.
Each hosts, in addition to colleagues Seth Meyers and John Oliver joined Colbert final week as a reunion of the Strike Power 5, the title the group assigned to themselves after they joined forces to assist and pay their writers through the 2023 WGA strike.
In the course of the interview, all comedians agreed to be current throughout Colbert’s final present. All of them additionally voiced their discontent in direction of the choice to cancel the present.
“I’m ready for indignant Stephen to return out,” Kimmel mentioned through the group interview. “I need to see you go nuts.”
Whereas Colbert has been comparatively diplomatic through the months-long lead as much as the tip, he has often shared his emotions concerning the scenario.
“You guys began earlier than I did. Every of your exhibits you’re doing began earlier than this present. And you then’re going to be right here after I’m right here,” he mentioned through the Strike Power 5 reunion. “You’re just like the sweet shell, I’m just like the nougat filling, after which someone got here in and simply sucked it out.”
