I first met Stephen Colbert about 25 years ago. Back then, he was a correspondent on Jon Stewart’s “Daily Show,” and I was a junior copywriter at a New York ad agency. We were testing a radio ad, and our producer booked Colbert for voice-overs. For two days, he was in the studio, giving it his all despite being paid the minimum rate for voice actors.
He was incredible. Colbert could read the script perfectly, but he also injected his creativity, introducing a fictional friend named Spider who loved a certain wireless plan. I watched in awe, not just at his talent but at his generosity for helping out with a project that ultimately went nowhere.
Fast forward to his final episode of “The Late Show” on CBS, and I reflected on those early days. Colbert had an interesting comment in his opening: “To do this many shows, it has to be a machine. But if you choose to do it with joy, it doesn’t hurt as much when your fingers get caught in the gears.”
That remark felt bittersweet, given his sudden cancellation. Colbert began this journey in 2015 after David Letterman retired. Under his leadership, the show soared to the top of late-night TV, only to be abruptly canceled by CBS about a year ago. They claimed financial losses, but many suspect it was about politics—using Colbert as a scapegoat for decisions relating to Trump’s administration and corporate interests.
Despite facing cancellation, Colbert kept bringing his A-game. Over the past year, he used his platform to share laughs and tackle controversial issues. Many fans felt he wasn’t as sharp as he used to be, especially compared to his days on “The Colbert Report,” but he remained a skilled entertainer, bringing joy to audiences.
His finale was a testament to the love and laughter he gave his viewers. Friends like Amy Sedaris and “Weird Al” Yankovic came by, joining Colbert in a humorous take on his famous “Colbert Questionnaire.” The warmth of the studio was palpable.
In his last broadcast, Colbert engaged guests like Bryan Cranston and Paul McCartney, mixing humor with insightful conversations. McCartney reminisced about his first performance in America back in 1964, emphasizing the cultural significance of that moment. He spoke about America as a land of music and freedom—an ideal reflecting both past glories and current challenges.
As Colbert steps away from his show, it marks a broader change in television. His time slot will now be filled with “Comics Unleashed,” a panel show that has sparked mixed reactions, particularly from established comedians who aren’t fond of the direction.
Overall, Colbert chose joy over bitterness in his farewell. Instead of striking out at CBS, he celebrated the spirit of comedy, friendship, and music, bringing everyone together in his final moments. It felt good watching that finale. It reminded me of those early days, recording radio ads with him—an experience reflecting the brilliance of a true performer. Stephen Colbert won’t just be missed; he’s a significant part of entertainment history.
For additional insights regarding the landscape of late-night television, take a look at this article by The Hollywood Reporter.
Source link
sfgculture
