Stephen Colbert made his highly anticipated return to “The Late Show” after CBS announced its cancellation of the program, slated to end next May. In front of an enthusiastic audience chanting his name, Colbert addressed the controversial topic of cancel culture, stating, “I’m going to go ahead and say it: Cancel culture’s gone way too far.” This moment highlighted Colbert’s penchant for mixing humor with social criticism as he kicked off the show on a pointed note aimed at former President Donald Trump.
The decision to cancel “The Late Show,” as explained by CBS and its parent company Paramount Global, was attributed solely to financial reasons. Colbert cheekily remarked on the timing of the announcement, noting that it came shortly after he criticized Paramount’s $16 million settlement related to Orange Man’s lawsuit from a “60 Minutes” interview. “They made one mistake. They left me alive,” he quipped, leading to a direct critique of Trump, saying, “I don’t care for him. Doesn’t seem to have the skill set to be president.”
Colbert’s critique included a confrontational reading of Trump’s social media comments, where he referred to Colbert as “untalented.” Responding sharply, Colbert stated, “How dare you, sir” and challenged Trump’s commentary with his own satirical flair, although with a bleeped expletive thrown in for comedic effect.
Colbert also addressed the apparent contradictions in CBS’s reasoning for the show’s cancellation, questioning how it could be a financial decision if “Late Show” was performing well in ratings. With reports suggesting the program reportedly lost between $40 million and $50 million annually, he voiced skepticism about the network’s claims.
Bringing some light-heartedness to the evening, Colbert introduced music legends “Weird Al” Yankovic and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who performed Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida,” while recognizing the support of fellow late-night hosts and celebrities in the audience.
Fellow comedian and former “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart also came to Colbert’s defense, emphasizing the importance of not succumbing to pressures, especially regarding Trump. Stewart encouraged resilience in the face of corporate decisions that could undermine comedic voices that contribute significant value.
In a moment of sincerity, Colbert acknowledged the support he has received from fans, stating, “Some people see this show going away as the sign of something truly dire… we here at the ‘Late Show’ never saw our job as changing anything other than how you felt at the end of the day.”
Despite the challenges facing late-night television, Colbert’s return resonates as a testament to the enduring nature of comedy and commentary in difficult times. His ability to blend humor with critical social commentary continues to engage audiences, keeping the spirit of late-night alive.
This episode leaves viewers hopeful for future comedic ventures from Colbert, who remains a vital voice in the late-night landscape, highlighting the importance of humor even in the face of adversity.