Stephen Colbert's journey from a fictional character on 'The Colbert Report' to the host of 'The Late Show' is a fascinating tale of how late-night television has evolved. His show, which once captivated audiences with its satirical take on conservative pundits, has now become a casualty of the changing media landscape. But what does this mean for the future of late-night TV? And what can we learn from Colbert's experience?
The End of an Era
Colbert's show, 'The Late Show', is being canceled by CBS due to financial considerations. This is a significant development, as late-night TV has become more economically fragile since the coronavirus pandemic. But the real reason behind the cancellation is more complex. Colbert's politics, and perhaps those of many late-night hosts, don't mesh with those of Paramount's CEO, David Ellison, and possibly a chunk of the potential audience.
The Rise of Partisanship
Colbert's show became the most watched late-night show on TV, largely due to his focus on headlines and President Trump. This shift towards partisanship has become a defining feature of late-night TV. While Johnny Carson was a monolith, shaped by a dominant TV media structure to be all things to all people, the current crop of late-night hosts are merely splinters. They need to be all things to only a certain amount of people.
The Identity Crisis of Late-Night TV
The coronavirus pandemic forced late-night shows to halt traditional production, leading to an identity crisis. Without live crowds, bands, and celebrity guests, late-night TV lost its unique appeal. This, combined with the rise of podcasts and YouTube vignettes, has eroded the broad support that late-night TV once enjoyed.
The Future of Late-Night TV
Late-night TV will continue, but its humor and personality are likely to surface in new frontiers. Younger generations are turning to podcasts and longform video, but they are also partakers in 'clip culture' and microcontent. The regular appearance of major celebrities on late-night TV is a death knell for the traditional late-night programs, which once were the place to see celebrities in more relaxed fashion.
Colbert's Legacy
Colbert's work may not have been able to keep 'The Late Show' around for another generation, but his years of labor will help him capture the interest of a new set of fans in an entirely different medium. His journey from 'The Colbert Report' to 'The Late Show' is a testament to the power of satire and the importance of freedom of expression. As late-night TV evolves, Colbert's legacy will continue to inspire and influence the next generation of comedians and satirists.
