In a significant shake-up for late-night television, CBS and Paramount announced today that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will conclude in May 2024, leaving no replacement in sight. This decision, described as purely financial, comes amidst an increasingly challenging landscape for late-night programming, particularly as rival host Greg Gutfeld of Fox News continues to dominate ratings.
Fox News contributor Joe Concha weighed in on the announcement, expressing his belief that many late-night shows have strayed from their comedic roots, becoming overly partisan and unfunny. He highlighted how traditional late-night hosts like Johnny Carson and Jay Leno focused on humor rather than political agendas, a contrast he sees with today’s offerings. Concha lamented that Colbert’s guest lineup has shifted from Hollywood stars to primarily political figures, primarily Democrats, which he argues has diminished the entertainment value of the show.
During a recent segment, Concha pointed out that Colbert’s choice to feature guests like Senator Adam Schiff and various MSNBC personalities signifies a departure from the star-studded interviews that characterized late-night television in its heyday. He contended that the focus on political commentary, particularly surrounding figures like Donald Trump, has made the shows less appealing to wider audiences.
Colbert’s ratings struggle is stark when compared to Gutfeld, who is reportedly outpacing Colbert by nearly one million viewers per night, despite operating with a significantly smaller staff and budget. This disparity underscores a shift in viewer preferences towards content that prioritizes humor over political discourse.
As late-night television faces a reckoning, many are left to wonder if the genre can reclaim its comedic essence. Concha’s critique echoes a broader sentiment that audiences are seeking entertainment rather than a nightly dose of political commentary. With Colbert’s departure, the late-night landscape may be ripe for new voices that can bridge the gap between humor and current events without sacrificing entertainment value.
The end of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” marks not just the conclusion of a popular program, but potentially signals a larger shift in the late-night landscape, where the demand for genuine humor may lead to a reevaluation of what audiences truly want to see in their evening entertainment.