Colbert's 'Late Show' Nears End Amid Industry Reflections

Key facts

• Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' finale airs May 21.
• CBS cited financial reasons for ending the program.
• David Letterman and others suspect political motivations for the cancellation.
• Byron Allen's 'Comics Unleashed' will replace the show.
• Colbert's final guests include Barack Obama and Sally Field.
• The show's premiere in September 2015 faced a near-catastrophic technical failure.
• Colbert's tenure followed David Letterman's on 'The Late Show'.

A Final Curtain Call for a Late-Night Fixture

Stephen Colbert’s nearly decade-long run as host of CBS’s 'The Late Show' is drawing to a definitive close. The final episode is slated to air on Thursday, May 21, marking the end of an era for late-night television. The announcement of the show's cancellation, which came as a surprise to many in the industry, has prompted reflections from colleagues and a look back at a tenure that navigated the complexities of political satire and broadcast production. As the sign-off approaches, Colbert has been engaging with a unique group of peers: fellow hosts who have occupied the demanding landscape of late-night after-hours programming. These conversations, compiled for a special feature, offer a glimpse into the camaraderie and shared experiences of those who have helmed similar shows, providing a distinctive lens through which to view Colbert's impending departure. This period of reflection comes as the show prepares for its final weeks, with a slate of notable guests lined up. Former President Barack Obama made an appearance on Tuesday, May 5, signaling the beginning of the end. Other scheduled guests include Sally Field, Chris Stapleton, and John Krasinski, alongside Colbert's wife, Evie McGee Colbert, offering a blend of political gravitas and personal connection for the concluding episodes.

Industry Peers Share Unique Perspectives

In a testament to the insular nature of the late-night world, Colbert has been fielding questions from a select group of colleagues for his exit interview. This intimate exchange includes insights from figures such as Jon Stewart, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, Seth Meyers, and Jay Leno. Their queries are as varied and characteristic as their own on-air personas. Jimmy Kimmel, for instance, posed a characteristically absurd question about whether obese patients are scanned at zoos due to MRI machine limitations. Jimmy Fallon inquired about Colbert's favorite musical guests, while Jay Leno expressed interest in Colbert's stand-up aspirations, asking if he had considered a road version of his best jokes. Seth Meyers sought to uncover memorable guest answers, prompting Colbert to recall Keanu Reeves' profound response to the question of what happens after death: "The people who love us will miss us." Conan O’Brien’s question, delivered with his signature dry wit, cut to the heart of the matter: "Just who the hell do you think you are?" This sentiment underscores the unique position late-night hosts occupy, constantly under public scrutiny while navigating the pressures of live television. Trevor Noah also contributed, asking if there were activities Colbert couldn't pursue during his show's run, to which Colbert humorously responded about his newfound ability to focus on exercise.

A Premiere Marked by Near Disaster

The journey of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' began not with a smooth launch, but with a moment of sheer panic that threatened to derail his entire career before it truly began. Stepping into the formidable shoes of David Letterman in September 2015, Colbert and his team, fresh from the distinct format of 'The Colbert Report,' found themselves grappling with the intricate mechanics of network late-night production. Following the taping of the premiere episode, a critical technical failure emerged. The show's final edit refused to export, crashing repeatedly at the same point during Colbert's opening monologue. With mere minutes remaining before the broadcast on CBS, and despite hours of unsuccessful attempts by technicians, a resolution remained elusive. In a high-stakes maneuver, editor Jason Baker proposed bypassing the standard export process entirely, opting to send the episode directly from his editing machine to the broadcast center. This risky gambit, essentially airing the show from a single computer, paid off. As the broadcast successfully passed the critical juncture, the small group gathered in a nearby office erupted in relief. Colbert later described this as one of his most terrifying, yet ultimately fondest, moments on the program.

Financial Woes and Political Speculation

CBS has officially cited financial reasons as the primary driver behind the decision to conclude 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.' This explanation, however, has not entirely quelled speculation among industry observers and former hosts. David Letterman, the show's original host, along with others, has suggested that political considerations may have played a significant role. Their theories point to Donald Trump's vocal criticism of Colbert and his program. Paramount, the network's parent company, was reportedly engaged in merger discussions with Skydance, a process that would have required government approval. This confluence of factors has led some to believe that the decision to end the show might have been influenced by a desire to avoid further political friction during a sensitive corporate negotiation. The exact motivations behind the network's decision remain a subject of conjecture, adding a layer of complexity to the show's conclusion.

A New Era Dawns on CBS

With the departure of 'The Late Show,' CBS is set to usher in a new programming block. Beginning Friday, May 22, the timeslot will be filled by 'Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen.' This transition signifies a shift in the network's late-night offerings. Little has been revealed about how Colbert himself will mark the end of his tenure. His approach to his final monologues, both opening and closing, is highly anticipated. A former writer who collaborated with him on 'The Daily Show' and 'The Colbert Report' suggested that Colbert's characteristic classiness would likely guide his farewell. "He’s a classy guy… I think he’s capable of killing with kindness," the former writer commented. "I think what he doesn’t say is sometimes better than what can be said." This suggests that Colbert may opt for a more understated, yet impactful, conclusion, leaving a lasting impression through his characteristic blend of wit and dignity.

The bottom line

• Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' concludes its run on May 21 after nearly a decade.
• Fellow late-night hosts have contributed personal questions and reflections for Colbert's exit interview.
• The show's premiere in 2015 was nearly jeopardized by a critical technical malfunction.
• CBS cited financial reasons for the cancellation, though political motivations are also speculated.
• Byron Allen's 'Comics Unleashed' will take over the late-night slot following Colbert's finale.
• Colbert's final weeks feature prominent guests including former President Barack Obama.