A decade of late-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-night speak present, first airing in 1993 with David Letterman internet hosting. Colbert joined the present in 2015—following profitable stints at The Every day Present and The Colbert Report on Comedy Central—along with his political monologues throughout the first Trump administration serving to develop his recognition, notably amongst extra liberal viewers.
His vocal critique of Trump can be seen by many as precipitating the top of his internet hosting duties.
CBS guardian firm Paramount announced last July that this season, which concludes Might 21, could be the ultimate season of The Late Present. CBS has claimed that the cancellation was a monetary resolution, however many stay skeptical, pointing to attainable 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 throughout 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 bother with that man. We’re going to care for the present. We’re simply going to throw that into the deal. When will the ink on the examine dry?’” Letterman informed 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 might be what the community has jokingly dubbed “The Worst of The Late Present With Stephen Colbert,” clarifying the present gained’t be a clip present and can certainly function 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 embody a efficiency from Bruce Springsteen, in addition to a closing section of “The Colbert Questionert.”
Friends for the ultimate episode are but to be introduced. Fellow speak present hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon have each introduced they’re airing reruns on Thursday in honor of Colbert.
Each hosts, in addition to colleagues Seth Meyers and John Oliver, joined Colbert on his present final week for a reunion of the Strike Power 5, the identify the group assigned to themselves once they joined forces to help and pay their writers throughout the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.
Through the interview, all of the comedians agreed to be current throughout Colbert’s final present. Additionally they voiced their discontent towards the choice to cancel the present.
“I’m ready for offended Stephen to come back out,” Kimmel mentioned throughout the group interview. “I need to see you go nuts.”
Whereas Colbert has been comparatively diplomatic throughout the monthslong lead-up to the top, he has sometimes shared his emotions concerning the state of affairs.
“You guys began earlier than I did. Every of your exhibits you’re doing began earlier than this present. And then you definitely’re going to be right here after I’m right here,” he mentioned throughout the Strike Power 5 reunion. “You’re just like the sweet shell. I’m just like the nougat filling, after which any person got here in and simply sucked it out.”
