Stephen Colbert, the comedian who redefined American late-night television, delivered his final monologue on Tuesday, ending a two-decade run that saw him dominate the medium with political satire and intellectual wit. His departure marks the close of an era in which the late-night format became a battleground for political discourse. Colbert’s show, which began as a spin-off of Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show,” evolved into a cultural institution.
Under his leadership, “The Colbert Report” from 2005 to 2014 parodied conservative punditry with such precision that it blurred the lines between satire and reality. His subsequent tenure on CBS’s “The Late Show” from 2015 positioned him as a leading voice in the resistance against the Trump presidency, attracting record ratings and a devoted audience. Colbert’s final episode featured tributes from former presidents and celebrities, reflecting his generation’s influence on American media.
Analysts note that his departure leaves a void in the landscape of political humour, with no single successor positioned to replicate his blend of erudition and performance. The future of late-night television now rests on a fragmented audience and shifting viewer habits, raising questions about the format’s relevance in an era of streaming and short-form content.
