The Late Show With Stephen Colbert: A Farewell to Late-Night Hosting and a Look to the Future
As the final episode of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” draws near, the show has been filled with emotional farewells from guests like Oprah Winfrey, Jake Tapper, and Billy Crystal. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the end date of May 21 approaches, prompting Mr. Colbert to reflect on his late-night hosting career spanning two decades. The show's topicality, his thoughts on President Trump, and his future plans are all topics of discussion.
The decision to end “The Late Show” was not Mr. Colbert’s, as CBS announced the cancellation last summer due to financial reasons. Despite the network's explanation, skepticism arose, especially given the timing of the cancellation in relation to a settlement with Mr. Trump over a lawsuit. Mr. Colbert has taken the news in stride, maintaining a positive relationship with CBS and expressing gratitude for his time on the show.
When Mr. Colbert took over from David Letterman in 2015, he initially shied away from being too topical or political, but soon shifted gears due to audience feedback and the changing political landscape. His focus on news and criticism of Mr. Trump garnered critical acclaim and higher ratings, leading to the show's success. Despite being a target of criticism from Mr. Trump and others, Mr. Colbert remains steadfast in his anti-authoritarian stance and commitment to speaking his mind.
Looking ahead, Mr. Colbert is working on a script for a new “Lord of the Rings” movie with Warner Bros. He enjoys hosting, interviewing, and podcasts, but is unsure about his next steps post-show. The demands of “The Late Show” have consumed much of his time and energy, leaving little room for future planning. However, he looks forward to the opportunity to explore new projects and opportunities once the show concludes, allowing him to breathe and reflect on what comes next.