Stephen Colbert’s announcement that The Late Present can be coming to an finish subsequent yr has despatched shockwaves by way of the leisure trade. Many different late-night hosts have spoken out in solidarity, and others at the moment are questioning how safe their jobs are, since Paramount cited financial causes for the choice to finish the present. Nevertheless, some imagine Colbert’s firing had different causes.
Regardless of the purpose, Stephen Colbert being off The Late Present will definitely quell one of many strongest voices vital of President Trump. Paul W. Downs, co-creator of Hacks — a present whose most up-to-date season noticed a late-night discuss present battle with its community, and in the end find yourself out of a job due to it — lately informed Senator Elizabeth Warren on YouTube that he thinks the lack of Colbert is “tragic” as a result of he made difficult points “accessible” to individuals. He mentioned…
I feel that’s one of the vital tragic issues in regards to the cancellation of the Stephen Colbert present is that he was one of many hosts that was truly talking fact to energy, and speaking about a few of the absurdity that’s occurring in Washington, and making it accessible for individuals from each side to grasp what’s occurring.
Stephen Colbert had change into one of many extra outspoken critics of President Trump throughout his nightly monologue, and the information that his present was ending got here simply days after he known as mum or dad firm Paramount’s lawsuit settlement with the President a “bribe” with a view to get regulatory approval for the corporate’s merger with Skydance. That merger was lately accomplished.
Whereas an excellent deal has been made in regards to the objectivity of CBS Information, Colbert is a comic. As such, poking enjoyable at these in cost is type of the gig. As Downs factors out, Colbert’s voice wasn’t essentially partisan; nevertheless, his skill to joke at political occasions made difficult points comprehensible no matter your specific politics. Even in case you did not totally agree with the joke, it might provide help to perceive what the problem at hand was and what it meant.
Whereas there is likely to be worry that Colbert’s scenario could lead on others on the planet of comedy to carry again on making jokes about these in energy, that doesn’t look like the case to date. Colbert has continued to poke enjoyable at President Trump, even providing a brand new “present” in regards to the Vice President to Netflix. In the meantime, different hosts, like Jimmy Kimmel, have supported their fellow late-night host.
The Late Present ends in Could 2026. What Stephen Colbert will do after that’s anyone’s guess at this level, although it’s unlikely he’ll have bother discovering work. Perhaps he can get a gig as an advisor on Hacks.