With just a few days until the conclusion of The Late Show, Stephen Colbert is taking a trip down memory lane. He started his farewell week with an episode called “The Worst Of The Late Show.” This episode highlighted some of the show’s biggest flops, featuring everything from disappointing guests to cringe-worthy graphics.
Colbert pointed out that many of the failed segments were fully produced and shot. They had travel budgets and everything, but he decided not to air them for various reasons—sometimes he just wasn’t sure if they’d resonate with viewers. For instance, one segment involved a guest going into a haunted house to discuss healthcare. While original, it didn’t generate enough laughs to be aired. Another segment focused on a rally with pugs opposing Trump, which only resulted in a single joke worth keeping.
Some of the rejected ideas were likely too self-indulgent. One was a project covering a 90s convention that Colbert scrapped last minute. He candidly admitted, “We realized it was not good.” Another involved a nostalgic trip to Chicago, which, while cute, didn’t deliver the entertaining content expected from the show. Reflecting on these lost segments, Colbert remarked, “I can see why we didn’t run that,” capturing the bittersweet nature of this farewell.
In his final week, Colbert is set to welcome notable guests like Jon Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, David Byrne, and Steven Spielberg. There are still surprises in store, including mystery guests for his last show on Thursday. As fans await the finale, this reflective moment gives a peek into Colbert’s journey and the unpredictable world of late-night TV.
Interestingly, according to a recent survey from Nielsen, late-night shows continue to hold a strong appeal, with viewership remaining steady, despite the challenges of transitioning content and rising digital platforms. Late-night comedy acts like Colbert’s contribute to the cultural conversation, blending humor with current events, a trend that’s only becoming more crucial in today’s media landscape.
