Can't wait for Colbert to begin. The 11:30 late night spot has been a desert for anything but kindergarten humor. At last, someone with great humor and great intelligence is coming on in the footsteps of Jack Paar, Johnny Carson and Steve Allen!
"he cannot succeed solely with the audience of wonkish young insomniacs who tuned into 'The Colbert Report' "
Seriously? It might be time for the NYT to hire a media correspondent who is aware of ubiquitous DVR technology and internet streaming services that have allowed mass time-shifting of TV program viewing.
Seriously? It might be time for the NYT to hire a media correspondent who is aware of ubiquitous DVR technology and internet streaming services that have allowed mass time-shifting of TV program viewing.
2
I think it's going to be a really tough transition, and while I look forward to checking it out now and then, I don't see a fit.
Growing up on Carson, Parr, and even Merv Griffin, the talk show used to be fun, spontaneous and had its moment. It has become the world of aging frat boys and the same boring stars hawking their wares. Not sure who watches tv at midnight, but I will miss Colbert dearly.
An answer to all of you who said, and there were a plethora obviously loyal followers, that Colbert was just assuming a character. Agreed, but since I will never meet him, that is take him to be. We are that as other see us.
One commentator compared him to Bill O'Reilly. What does that have to do with anything? Just venting I guess.
Finally we come to Colbert's "act" at the White House Correspondent's Dinner, to which one of the commentators alluded. Sorry, but he did not understand the moment, or the protocol. He was, in short, an embarrassment. The comedian who mimicked President Bush did a much more superlative job in capturing both the true spirit of the evening and in humor itself. And before someone gets upset and turns this into a political discussion, no we are not discussing politics here. It is comedy or lack thereof.
And thanks for the responses. In some part my question was answered by a loyal cadre who may or may not carry him on to success.
One commentator compared him to Bill O'Reilly. What does that have to do with anything? Just venting I guess.
Finally we come to Colbert's "act" at the White House Correspondent's Dinner, to which one of the commentators alluded. Sorry, but he did not understand the moment, or the protocol. He was, in short, an embarrassment. The comedian who mimicked President Bush did a much more superlative job in capturing both the true spirit of the evening and in humor itself. And before someone gets upset and turns this into a political discussion, no we are not discussing politics here. It is comedy or lack thereof.
And thanks for the responses. In some part my question was answered by a loyal cadre who may or may not carry him on to success.
I deeply hope Mr. Colbert has the kind of show we all hope he will have. The current TBS and NBC hosts are refugees from a third-grade birthday party.
1
Count me as one viewer who was never interested in any of the big network late night shows but who avidly awaits Colbert's debut. I just hope that my fellow Colbert fans, as well as those less familiar with him and especially CBS, to give him and the show many months to settle in to a rhythm. That certainly was the case after the Colbert Report first hit the air, as he gradually found his footing.
Also, we may have to accept that his new show will likely be more constrained by the format and larger audience in the ways that the Report was not - even has he takes some new creative directions. Still, he's a very astute, extremely quick-witted guy who seems to have a broader vision than most tv personalities. I wish him all the best.
Also, we may have to accept that his new show will likely be more constrained by the format and larger audience in the ways that the Report was not - even has he takes some new creative directions. Still, he's a very astute, extremely quick-witted guy who seems to have a broader vision than most tv personalities. I wish him all the best.
3
I loved is old show and hope that he won't lose that edge. His dancing to "get lucky," his piaffe on the dressage horse, how terrific. (Hope he doesn't paiffee on either of my warmbloods!)
But he needs to quit dying his hair. Give us the natural look.
Although he's not a southerner, he grew up in Charleston. The southern influence is there. Too bad his sister did not win the congressional seat.
But he needs to quit dying his hair. Give us the natural look.
Although he's not a southerner, he grew up in Charleston. The southern influence is there. Too bad his sister did not win the congressional seat.
1
Having a southern raised man is pretty diverse. Not many southerners as hosts on TV shows that aren't minorities. A white male "southerner" raised, not born, who is smart and funny? Great!
the title of this article, "The Late Night Hope", presumably a play on The Great White Hope, is tasteless in the extreme.
1
Comedy is fine, but how long must the public endure this silly mugger?
Some of his harpoons are funny, but with today's GOP, who could miss?
Subtlety is Colbert's long suit, nor Maddow's, nor on the other team neither is it Bill Reilly's or Limbaugh's.
Is this the US's taste-level now?
One has to doubt how much awareness of deep societal problems these clowns have.
Some of his harpoons are funny, but with today's GOP, who could miss?
Subtlety is Colbert's long suit, nor Maddow's, nor on the other team neither is it Bill Reilly's or Limbaugh's.
Is this the US's taste-level now?
One has to doubt how much awareness of deep societal problems these clowns have.
Ya think there's any chance he'll beat Kimmel or Fallon?
He may not be the new Letterman, but he'll be the new king of late night.
He may not be the new Letterman, but he'll be the new king of late night.
1
Welcome back to television Stephen! We missed you!
1
The real boss on the show is Phil Ken Seben. ha, Ha!
So many years of doing voice cameos and off beat roles on the funniest and most well written shows on TV; who would have expected this? Go get 'em Professor Impossible!
So many years of doing voice cameos and off beat roles on the funniest and most well written shows on TV; who would have expected this? Go get 'em Professor Impossible!
As someone that lives and breathes sarcasm I have been in awe of SC`s ability to deliver witty comedy without coming off as snarky, elitist, smug, or condescending. I fail more often than not at the same task. Jon Stewart is right, at his core he seems to be a very decent person.
1
I hope Stephen Colbert will strike the right balance between silly and serious. The few times I've seen him be serious he still seems silly. David Letterman did a good job at being both. Too much silliness is tiresome.
I want to be entertained at 11:30pm. It is usually past my bedtime. Hope that Steve does that.
....Colbert, quite easily the best....smart, informed, eager, talented...can hardly wait....
...take me away, Stevie...
...take me away, Stevie...
4
Moonves had his pick of a lot of great "proven" talent and picked the man who was willing to work for nothing.
Playing catch-up, ratings-wise, after 3-4 month hiatus between the end of Letterman and the beginning of Colbert is most likely going to be a bridge too far. Hey, but what the heck. If we have to have a "loss leader" the host works cheap.
Playing catch-up, ratings-wise, after 3-4 month hiatus between the end of Letterman and the beginning of Colbert is most likely going to be a bridge too far. Hey, but what the heck. If we have to have a "loss leader" the host works cheap.
He'll be fine, but he is no Letterman. For me, nobody could equal Dave, but for the younger generations, and those who like a sweeter temperament, Colbert will be their guy. He won't beat Fallon in the ratings, but he will do fine in that time slot.
For months after he starts, the whole game will be to figure who "the real" Stephen Colbert is. Only those who know him privately will ever know the answer to that question. Everybody else has to be satisfied with his latest incarnation, the smart, antic talk-show host guy.
1
[[Through a combination of kismet and current events; a caustic roast of President George W. Bush performed about five feet away from the commander in chief.]]
I just watched that video. It is tedious.
I just watched that video. It is tedious.
CBS needs Colbert to just be himself and not their concept of what he should be.
2
To me, Colbert always came across as desperate and self centered, without any of the comedic genius of John Stewart.
But that doesn't mean Amercans won't watch him. In fact, I'll give him a try just to see if there is more to him than I thought.
But that doesn't mean Amercans won't watch him. In fact, I'll give him a try just to see if there is more to him than I thought.
He claims he looks like he sells insurance. What he is selling is more comfortably blind liberalism. He will not be watched.
Rooting for Colbert is a no-brainer. If the future of late night television is left in the hands of the Jimmies, the dumbing down of America will accelerate to warp speed. Their brand of gimmicky, low-to-no-brow humor is geared to those whose strong point is not, shall we say, contemplative consideration. No offense to Moe, Larry and Curly, but for the members this ever expanding group, a well-placed pie in the face is the very height of sophistication.
7
There is a shrinking audience for late night shows like this
I suspect the party will continue. I mean he has Jon Batiste as his musical companion. That can't go wrong.
Anyway, now with Letterman and Stewart gone, that leaves Colbert as the one to watch during a most unknown political season.
Anyway, now with Letterman and Stewart gone, that leaves Colbert as the one to watch during a most unknown political season.
3
The problem will not be Colbert, who is a genius, but the format. Once you dedicate the space between commercials to a bunch of 'celebrities' pushing themselves or some recent project then you lose me, for one. I also can't imagine staying up so late to be bombards by silly ads and CBS self-promotion slots. I watched the daily show and the colbert report because they were short and sweet. I may stick with the daily show but the baggage of late-night talk shows is too heavy to bear. On the other hand I can just tape it and skip over all the stupid bits. (Why didn't I think of that before writing this post?)
4
Everything about his coming to Late Night sounds promising ...... and then you see his premiere night's guest: Jeb Bush. Can that right wing persona he cultivated on Comedy Central be slipping back after he promised to leave that character behind?
Disappointing.
But I guess it is offset somewhat by George Clooney being the other guest.
Disappointing.
But I guess it is offset somewhat by George Clooney being the other guest.
3
Note to CBS. I'm getting old, so I don't often make it to past midnight. I loved that Comedy Central repeated the Daily Show and Colbert Report the following morning. Maybe CBS could run a "Late Night in the Morning." I don't want to miss one minute of the new Late Night Show with Mr. Colbert!
4
I attended a test taping of the show yesterday. The theater looks amazing, Jon Batiste's band is incredible and refreshing, and Colbert looks relaxed and raring to go. The guests, whether just for the test show or not, were more 'playfully cerebral' than most late-night fare — which I loved. If they keep to this line, they should have no problems differentiating themselves from the 'Jimmys' — who are each insanely talented but are more focused on pop culture. I hope CBS sticks with this format. I'd rather see Paul Krugman over the next boy band, but I'll be watching via DVR, which won't show up on their overnights.
6
I didn't know Paul Krugman was so talented.
Great headline by the way! Late Night Hope indeed!
Go, Mr. Colbert...you'll be great...I'll be watching!
5
I went to Northwestern with Stephen and while I didn't know him personally, friends of friends did, so I feel a small vested interest in his success, since we NU alumni are a tight-knit group. It concerns me to read in the comments that there are people who find him pompous or label him as a know-it-all just because he happens to be intelligent, well-educated and aware of more than the latest kitty gif on Instagram. When did we decide that intelligent humor did not belong in the big-network late night game?
4
Whoever wrote this article is a very young person. The late show has been hosted by more than two people: Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Letterman and now Colbert.
Before stating something, maybe they could talk with a grown up adult, not some kid who just because they recall letterman and now Colbert.
Before stating something, maybe they could talk with a grown up adult, not some kid who just because they recall letterman and now Colbert.
2
“The Late Show” on CBS has only been hosted by one person (David Letterman). Colbert will be the second.
"The Tonight Show" on NBC has had multiple hosts.
"The Tonight Show" on NBC has had multiple hosts.
4
Who wants to go first @ telling Beverly she's thinking of "The Tonight Show"? Hands? Anyone?
4
[[Aunt Fiona Oakland, CA
Who wants to go first @ telling Beverly she's thinking of "The Tonight Show"? Hands? Anyone?]]
Arnault has got it.
The irony, of course, is that NOT getting the Tonight Show was the greatest disappointment of Letterman's life. But that led to some very fine comedy over the years.
Who wants to go first @ telling Beverly she's thinking of "The Tonight Show"? Hands? Anyone?]]
Arnault has got it.
The irony, of course, is that NOT getting the Tonight Show was the greatest disappointment of Letterman's life. But that led to some very fine comedy over the years.
1
Please don't change Stephen. You are brilliant.
3
Just got around to reading this piece and all I can only say that it only took a few weeks for me to get sick of watching celebrities play beer pong on The Tonight Show STARRING Jimmy Fallon (what an ego!).
Anything Colbert does just has to be better than that show.
Anything Colbert does just has to be better than that show.
6
It is interesting that this article chooses to mention that Colbert is a Roman Catholic. He is of the same "Catholic" ilk as Nancy Pelosi and John Kerry - happy to ignore Church teaching and do there own thing, often intentionally misleading people about what the Catholic Church actually teaches on issues like abortion and homosexuality. Colbert, however, has a special place as a blasphemer of the Catholic faith and Christianity in general. No wonder he is now following in the footsteps of his idol, Letterman. Two snarky, unfunny narcissists.
Always, always, we have to have a "true" Catholic to pass judgement on who is and isn't up to snuff. Zzzzz.
9
John 8:7 "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Yeah, it's hard to get Christianity right, isn't it?
7
I am sorry but this article is about Stephen Colbert taking over the Late Show. Nothing here mentioned his stance on abortion or homosexuality as a Catholic. This is not the appropriate arena to set up your soapbox.
6
I"m sorry, but he's just not funny.
2
Obviously humor is subjective, but your opinion is still in the extreme minority.
2
The article clearly states something to the effect that Colbert has historically navigated through uncomfortable situations by playing the uppity, high class idiot. The Colbert Shiw character was a variation that "lacked humanity.". Me thinks the true Stephen Colbert that we'll see on the Late Show, will be somewhere in the middle, an at times snooty, uppity character that endears himself to his audience with a touch of humanity.
1
The reviews posted here show more enthusiasm, expressive writing ability and insight than Mr. Itzkoff's bland report on Colbert' s transition to cultural icon. Somehow Colbert is missing from his review..but his fans' reminicences describe Colbert's muscle and wit with lip smacking reverie. After reviewing David Itzkoff's books, perhaps it is his youth or just lack of ability to consume a personality so much more complex than his own. He clearly has succeeded in his ambitious and well crafted ascent in journalism. However, he doesn't yet have the humor, vocabulary or intellectual insight to take on this subject.
2
Analist: this is a newspaper piece, not a PhD thesis or a biography. Colbert is hardly missing from this piece. Lot's of quotes from what I read and a good job at catching the transition from a CC headliner to one of four fighting for the time slot crown.
2
Can't wait. I need to know who Tek Jansen is saving now.
3
Colbert has something that no one else in the late-night game has: truly brilliant intellect. I can't wait to see what his genius mind can do to elevate this tired format.
13
I can't say I love this. He's moved from political commentary to late night mindless entertainment (sorry, unless he's inviting authors and academics for twenty minute conversations, it's going to be mostly brainless). To me, the painless transition suggests his political commentary was nothing more than a niche - in other words, never anything he actually believed in.
1
There is an immense amount of hype surrounding this guy. Very few performers can live up to such extremes. Personally, I find the guy's act annoying. He doesn't make me laugh. I've tried to like him, but every time I see him, I grow more bored and agitated.
It took awhile for David Letterman to grab me, but once he did, I preferred his style over Leno's. Time will tell whether Colbert will have the same impact. I'm not holding my breath.
It took awhile for David Letterman to grab me, but once he did, I preferred his style over Leno's. Time will tell whether Colbert will have the same impact. I'm not holding my breath.
The network late night fare has been so disappointing since Leno's departure. I am really looking forward to Colbert, since he strikes me as a man with enough sophistication to keep me awake and watching. Jimmy Fallon's humor isn't that appealing to me. It seems to sink too much into "goofy." And Seth Myers is simply on too late. I think Steve will have all the right stuff.
4
Colbert has years and years of Jay Leno tapes to perfect his act while sticking to his unique form of humor. Success will follow and we will have (hopefully) decades of nightly (or DVRed to next morning) entertainment!
1
Colbert's humor is a bit effete for my tastes.
1
I still miss Johnny.
2
I am struck with the way Les Moonves of CBS refers to Stephen as "something" and not "someone". To him, a spectacularly talented individual is just a commodity, more or Les.
3
Even though Stephen pretended to be a funny guy, he really is a funny guy. Stephen is Stephen. I can't see him changing too much. It couldn't have been an act. He will really have to hold himself back to make to much of a change. He was so comfortable in his skin at Colbert Nation and I'm looking forward of at least a bit of the same Stephen we all know and love and miss like heck.
2
I really enjoy Colbert. Unfortunately, their (late night personalities) monologues are a re-hash of today's events (which seem to be more sickening every day, one way or another) and today's famous???? celebrities. More like empty headed, narcissistic, uninteresting, people.
GUESS WHAT...JOHNNY CARSON-full episodes- is coming to Antenna TV January 1st....So excited and that will be my first choice for whatever time slot he's in.
As Kenny Bania would say....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF7OnW4XDck
GUESS WHAT...JOHNNY CARSON-full episodes- is coming to Antenna TV January 1st....So excited and that will be my first choice for whatever time slot he's in.
As Kenny Bania would say....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF7OnW4XDck
1
Great. Another angry leftist using a talk show to mock America. As though we needed yet another . . .
I guess your fill of Fixed News comedians doesn't satisfy you ...
7
All I can say is....
I can't wait because
it's going to be good.
I can't wait because
it's going to be good.
7
He's brilliant. As long as he's having fun with it, we will, too.
6
anything he can do to hasten the demise of the great no talent jimmy fallon would be greatly appreciated.
3
I used to work across the street from the Ed Sullivan Theater, in 1400 Broadway. Our offices looked down on the theater roof, and we got to see the acts rehearsing there for the Letterman show, from Bon Jovi to Paul McCartney. I wish I was there now, welcoming the most anticipated show of the fall! Hey Colbertians, when you are doing stuff on the roof, don't forget to look up at the building across the street, you will have fans there too!
7
Steven Colbert educated Americans on politics and campaign finance more than any news person in history. How many people now know of 501c3 corporations and Super PACs? How many people now know certain congressional districts from his "better know a district" skits?
I sincerely hope he continues the "better know a district" skits on his new show. He needs to show voters exactly what they are getting with each vote.
I sincerely hope he continues the "better know a district" skits on his new show. He needs to show voters exactly what they are getting with each vote.
7
I have nothing against Colbert and very much enjoyed his shows when I could watch them. But I do hope one of the three major broadcast networks--NBC, CBS or ABC--would go back to the bygone era of showing late night TV movies. It's likely that those three networks are locked into long-term contracts with their respective late show hosts, so this seems unlikely. I do not have access to cable and haven't, in the past, found satellite TV to be worth the money. Perhaps Colbert will be the late-night breath of fresh air I am looking for.
1
I have spent late night almost entirely at CBS for the past decade, turning to the other hosts mainly when reruns were on. I liked Letterman but I loved Craig Ferguson. Now both are gone. Dave and Craig excelled at ironic humor, each being somewhat of a smartass. That is what liked for my late night viewing. I tried giving his replacement, James Corden, a chance, but I can't stand his exuberantly affable manner. It feels like he wants to be your best friend, and he's constantly trying to be the swellest, most friendly personality. Craig didn't give a bleep whether you liked him, and he didn't take himself seriously at all. He loved to push his show to the extremes of fakery (fake sidekick, fake host, fake props) which all underscored how genuine and honest he was personally (which shone through especially when he took a more serious tone). Pretty much the opposite of Corden, who is always fawning. Fallon is not as bad as that, but he also has a very swell, let's-have-fun-and-play-game style. Nothing wrong with that, but I miss the more sarcastic style of Dave and Craig. Seth Myers is likable but his material just isn't that good. So I am really looking forward to seeing Colbert come to CBS. I think his style will bring back what I liked for my late night viewing. He won't be his Colbert Report character, but I have great hopes he will bring the same biting wit and sarcasm we've loved seeing from him all these years.
4
I remember in the summer of 2005 when it was announced that Mr. Colbert would be leaving the Daily Show for his own program. I loved him on the Daily Show and waited in anticipation for the new show.
I had no idea what the Colbert Report would be, but was devoted because Colbert is a genius and his humanity did indeed show through (it helped that he skewered Republicans as he did to W. at the Correspondents Dinner). I don't know what the new Late Show will be but I trust Stephen Colbert. He has many great qualities and an undefinable je ne sais quoi. Maybe it's his essential truthiness. I didn't watch Letterman every night, but I miss his presence. I look forward to years of watching Colbert.
I had no idea what the Colbert Report would be, but was devoted because Colbert is a genius and his humanity did indeed show through (it helped that he skewered Republicans as he did to W. at the Correspondents Dinner). I don't know what the new Late Show will be but I trust Stephen Colbert. He has many great qualities and an undefinable je ne sais quoi. Maybe it's his essential truthiness. I didn't watch Letterman every night, but I miss his presence. I look forward to years of watching Colbert.
5
I wish Mr. Colbert good luck and best wishes. My hope is that he will elevate late night above the nightly juvenile antics of Kimmel and Fallon but I'm out of the demo now which means I am obsolete which is probably just as well because when Carson left, I stopped watching late night TV. It's not because I go to bed at 10 or ll pm. I'm up but no one has measured up to Carson. Perhaps Colbert will surprise me. I hope so.
I'm 78, an atypical demographic viewer for late night Stewart or Colbert. Yet I watched almost all of the Daily Show's 16 years, live or on DVR soon after the original broadcast -and always in sequence- since that show's comedic, political, philosophical and social impact was live in tandem with as the world and cable news was turning. As a current events moderator in my local retirement community I have been an enthused participant in its unfolding. As a Stewart cable news watchdog disciple, I delighted in Jon's team's reporting on the hypocrisies I saw out there.
I watched 65% of Colbert because Stewart's show and format was easier to watch. Colbert's comedy was deep, and wonderful, and he made me a brighter man as did Jon, but he is so wildly talented and complex and out there, and the show's format required my undivided attention. I was able to turn friends on to The Daily Show, but few followed up on watching Colbert often. They never knew what they missed.
My generation grew up with late night TV, from Jerry Lester and Morey Amsterdam to Steve Allen to Carson, and the hour is never a problem. My guess is there are more contemporaries who will watch like me. Since Stewart and Colbert, I've rarely watched Leno or Dave, or The current Jimmys, but I will watch Colbert for sure. The problem is I'm not a couch potato as I seem. I am an active intellectual and athlete and how and when will I fit in Colbert AND Trevor AND the wonderful Larry Wilmore, AND Courden?
I watched 65% of Colbert because Stewart's show and format was easier to watch. Colbert's comedy was deep, and wonderful, and he made me a brighter man as did Jon, but he is so wildly talented and complex and out there, and the show's format required my undivided attention. I was able to turn friends on to The Daily Show, but few followed up on watching Colbert often. They never knew what they missed.
My generation grew up with late night TV, from Jerry Lester and Morey Amsterdam to Steve Allen to Carson, and the hour is never a problem. My guess is there are more contemporaries who will watch like me. Since Stewart and Colbert, I've rarely watched Leno or Dave, or The current Jimmys, but I will watch Colbert for sure. The problem is I'm not a couch potato as I seem. I am an active intellectual and athlete and how and when will I fit in Colbert AND Trevor AND the wonderful Larry Wilmore, AND Courden?
8
I'm giddy with anticipation. From what they say about the "real" Stephen Colbert, native Carolinian and non-creep, he sounds like a deft combination of Woody Allen and Atticus Finch (1.0).
Imagine his version of that summation speech.
Imagine his version of that summation speech.
1
Bring him on! I've been having withdrawal pangs this summer, without Dave and Jon and Stephen. Having him back, at least, will mean I no longer have to doze off to Charlie Rose. (Sorry, Charlie.)
11
I look forward to seeing this show. I'm hoping for a lot more authenticity from Colbert and his guests than we get on Fallon's or Kimmel's shows--gratuitous spots with whatever actor, musician, author has a new product to flog. BORING. Maybe he'll be a better interviewer and have more insight into what his audience would like to know about his guests. And oh, yeah, Mr. Colbert, please don't have penis and toilet jokes as a part of each show. Your competition (also includes Seth Meyers) does these ad nauseam--NOT FUNNY unless you are six years old.
16
I have high hopes for Mr. Colbert's approach to late night fare. His intelligence, wit and self-deprecating nature will serve him well. I only wish he had selected a "rocker" as his band leader, instead of an improvisational jazz musician -- but I'm willing to give the new Late Show Band a fair shot because the decision was made by ol' Stephen himself.
I'm a Colbert fan, and you can, too!
I'm a Colbert fan, and you can, too!
9
Think of it as your chance to expand your musical horizons.
1
Television is gone as a serious medium. I am surprised that Stephen--whom we love--would go from the internet to Dead Dinosaur Walking CBS.
I imagine he'll pull more than his share of a declining market, but the decline won't stop.
I imagine he'll pull more than his share of a declining market, but the decline won't stop.
2
Greed and egomania perhaps, but Colbert struck out by going greedy with HBO, limiting his audience thereby, going greedy for another huge audience pool out of character with a broadcast network, and then expecting his unique brilliant talent to climb the highest anthill when he's already conquered Everest. No way, but mediocrity is boundless.
Very few people would associate Colbert with mediocrity, greed, or egomania. It's better to know the subject than to spew about greed and try to sarcastically tear down someone who is indeed "uniquely brilliant."
I'd be a good person for the jury, as I have never been entertained by Steven Colbert before. The likable Jon Stewart missed my grasp as well, always wondering how I could tune in and catch The Daily Show (which was never high enough on my list of things to do), but never following through. Not being prejudiced, my only favorable influence is the clip shown of Steven Colbert in the presence of Howard Stern where he begins an imitation of Mick Jagger by moving to a dance in his head, well rehearsed. Physical humor through his body language was fascinating. I am a hopeful, dyed in the wool Letterman fan who would revert to Conan if this is a flop, in a heart beat. But, I was closely relating to Johnny Carson too, and I got over it.
0 but never following through
jon Stewart
0 but never following through
jon Stewart
Colbert is not the new Letterman, and he is well aware of this fact. I'm guessing he will use the irony that Letterman, and many other performers like Bill Murray and Steve Martin honed to perfection, to alternate between various ironic postures of enthusiasm, outrage and sincerity, all of it faked, with his full-time, real intelligence whirring away in the background, like a modern incarnation of the Wizard of Oz. The photos of Colbert here show him in full-on, fake enthusiasm mode, perfect for promoting his new gig. What he lacks that Letterman had was grit and real sincerity when his back was against the wall. Colbert hides his killer instinct.
Irony is now the de facto requirement for many of Letterman's successors and admirers, including the now fallen Conan O'Brien, the newly retired Jon Stewart, Colbert, and dozens of comedians on Comedy Central. It has become the new body armor for today's comedians, a distancing mechanism that protects automatically from failure by announcing that, underneath it all, the performer never thought show business, especially television, was very important anyway. Fallon is one of the few modern comedians who does not actively embrace this mode of performing. His schtick is the boy next door guise. Colbert has his work cut-out for him competing against Fallon, who is the new Leno, a host who takes pains to make his guests feel comfortable and accepted, fawning when necessary, and schmoozing with his guests like a used car salesman.
3
This man is a rare talent. Can't we simply give him the quality presence and support he gives us? Oh yeah - and a sane view of the insane world we live in, for the moment.
15
Stephen Colbert will be the first truly creative person on late night TV since the late great daddy of them all, Steve Allen. He'll be great!
15
Oh my, I agree! Wasn't Steve just great?!
I can see why there's doubt for Colbert for those who are already familiarized with the classics of late night shows. I've watched the Colbert Report since the day it premiered and even when Stephen was still on The Daily Show. What a lot of people don't seem to take into account, is this guy performs each and every show with the utmost passion. That, or he's a fantastic actor, which he is, but to have faked excitement and genuine happiness for 9 years is simply spectacular. Did you know about the episode where he slipped, broke his arm, and finished the show? I've never been one for the Late Show on CBS, but Colbert is the only reason I needed to become a fan. I have no doubt that the real Stephen Colbert will brighten our dark nights and gracefully continue the tradition of late night shows.
14
Wrist Strong!
Colbert in character challenged you to think instead of just telling you what to think, because at his best moments you weren't sure if he was in character or not. He'd say something wrong and you'd laugh and then you'd realize he was in character and you were maybe wrong to laugh. That's what made him so much better than Stewart, who just smugly told you what was right and what was wrong.
My fear is that in shedding his character, Colbert is losing the tool he used to generate uncomfortable moments that made you think. Letterman was never very good on CBS because he lost the irreverent, disgruntled employee bit that made him so much fun on NBC. He became vanilla, fawning over guests and going lazily through the late night talk show motions. I very much hope Colbert doesn't make the same mistake.
My fear is that in shedding his character, Colbert is losing the tool he used to generate uncomfortable moments that made you think. Letterman was never very good on CBS because he lost the irreverent, disgruntled employee bit that made him so much fun on NBC. He became vanilla, fawning over guests and going lazily through the late night talk show motions. I very much hope Colbert doesn't make the same mistake.
3
Stephen Colbert is gonna kill.
15
I think he has a lot of potential but I'm concerned about how this works out. Fallon has been successful because of his viral videos and in spite of his awful interviews. I've been surprised at how popular he has been because I would have thought the act would wear thin (and maybe it still will). I'm sure Mr. Colbert's staff is well aware of this but I hope there are still enough people who want something substantive instead of the cream puff comedy his competition is embracing.
7
Maybe I missed something Dave...semi-silly super-pac? It was more like totally serious super pac to make a super serious point.
The photography for this piece is awesome.
I'm not a late night show person. Tried to watch Jimmy Fallon...tried is the operative word here. We will give Colbert a try but darn I miss Stephen Colbert - (spor repor and all!!!)
The photography for this piece is awesome.
I'm not a late night show person. Tried to watch Jimmy Fallon...tried is the operative word here. We will give Colbert a try but darn I miss Stephen Colbert - (spor repor and all!!!)
13
Greg, he should definetely address the audience as Greg.
2
What 'new' formats? Itzkoff repeats and leaves unchallenged the current accepted wisdom of media commentators with respect to late night talk shows. But, what 'new' formats?
You mean 1) cross-talk with the band/sidekick (Carson)?; 2) canned wacky bits before the guests come out (Carson)?; 3) interviewing guests sitting in a chair talking about their projects/themselves (Carson)?; 4) having hip musical acts to close the show (Carson)?
There's nothing new. Just the hosts (sitting at a desk on the right side of the screen.) And if they're funny they'll succeed (Leno, Letterman, O'Brien, Carson...) And if they're not they won't (Chevy Chase.)
You mean 1) cross-talk with the band/sidekick (Carson)?; 2) canned wacky bits before the guests come out (Carson)?; 3) interviewing guests sitting in a chair talking about their projects/themselves (Carson)?; 4) having hip musical acts to close the show (Carson)?
There's nothing new. Just the hosts (sitting at a desk on the right side of the screen.) And if they're funny they'll succeed (Leno, Letterman, O'Brien, Carson...) And if they're not they won't (Chevy Chase.)
1
The writer wrote, "Can he shed the ironist’s mask he wore on “The Colbert Report” and turn himself into the genial master of ceremonies that an 11:35 p.m. network show requires?..." How about just letting Stephen Colbert decide and determine what he's going to shed or not and what he's going to turn himself into, or not? He's really up to that decision as he has shown quite brilliantly. Then the writer wrote about Colbert being a white guy (what? As Stephen has so often said, he doesn't see race - he's told he's white...") and right-handed and blah blah blah. How about just loving somebody who is so magnificently witty and smart and quick-witted and FUNNY and original?? As for me and my household, we can't wait to see Colbert back on the TV. We hadn't watched Letterman for years, had virtually never watched Leno ever, have never watched Fallon, Kimmel, et al. - liked Craig Ferguson but LOVE Stephen Colbert - so come on back, Stephen; it's been a long summer!
10
His schtick on the Colbert Report was getting old. I quit watching the late night talk shows when Johnny Carson hung it up. I have no interest in what he will supposedly bring to the table. I miss Jon Stewart and that feeling grows more intense everyday.
Ho do you know Colbert's show was getting old if you haven't watched it?
7
Well, he seems like a decent person, and he sure looks excited about his new job in those photos. That would something of an improvement from David Letterman, who took the his curmudgeon persona a bit too far in later years. So here's wishing him some luck.
2
"He uses words like “catharsis” in casual conversation" - wow, impressive! Can he also do long division? "The Late Night Hope" - hope for what? No one watches these shows anymore, certainly no one under the age of 55. Let's see, which middle aged, white, semi-funny, karaoke singer who's 'interviewing' someone plugging something who's also been on every other show should I watch at 11:30?
Late Night Hope? More like trying to be smarter than a 5th grader.
Late Night Hope? More like trying to be smarter than a 5th grader.
5
Wow. You have the sarcasm, but you lack any humor - unlike Stephen Colbert. You clearly have never watched him because if you did you would know (if you can recognize it) that he's supremely witty, smart, superbly satiric and best of all, so doggone funny that my whole family kept track of the times we laughed out loud, belly-laugh to tears laughing, because of Colbert's ability to bring that.
Your "no one under the age of 55" is absurd, as many comments here could show you. The thing about Colbert is he is beloved by people of all ages who love funny, love wit, love smart, love creativity - and by the way, he seems like a really, really good-hearted, big-soul guy. Until you can get back in touch with your funny bone, Stan, you might want to just spend a little time contemplating what "show you should watch at 11:30" and maybe even realize you're not required to watch anything at all.
Your "no one under the age of 55" is absurd, as many comments here could show you. The thing about Colbert is he is beloved by people of all ages who love funny, love wit, love smart, love creativity - and by the way, he seems like a really, really good-hearted, big-soul guy. Until you can get back in touch with your funny bone, Stan, you might want to just spend a little time contemplating what "show you should watch at 11:30" and maybe even realize you're not required to watch anything at all.
9
There's always "comedians" Greg Gutfield and Dennis Miller for the humorless.
1
All I can say is, "I CAN"T WAIT!!!" and I have tickets for the October 12th show. Getting my winter wardrobe ready for the freezing theater!
9
Mr. Colbert has the comedic timing of W.C. Fields, the improvisational skills of Gilda Radner, the interview skills of Jack Parr, the creativity of Jonathon Winters. He's that good.
He will change the stodgy late night programming with originality and redefine late night. He is smart and self aware with an impeccable ear for pomposity last seen from George Carlin's and Joan River's repertoire.
I can't wait to see the crying fits he used to showcase on The Colbert Report. He can get away with over the top silliness because of his multifaceted range. Kimmel, Falon, and O'Brien will be hard pressed to compete with Colbert's versatility. Should be fun to watch.
He will change the stodgy late night programming with originality and redefine late night. He is smart and self aware with an impeccable ear for pomposity last seen from George Carlin's and Joan River's repertoire.
I can't wait to see the crying fits he used to showcase on The Colbert Report. He can get away with over the top silliness because of his multifaceted range. Kimmel, Falon, and O'Brien will be hard pressed to compete with Colbert's versatility. Should be fun to watch.
78
The Colbert Report was like running in the primaries as you appeal to your base. Then you win the nomination (The Late Show) and now you've got to appeal to the general population. Hopefully this transformation won't take away all the sharp wit and on-point whipping of the political rhetoric by Colbert, but there's no getting away from the fact that it must happen.
I'm looking forward to Stephen Colbert, but I think I'm really going to miss Stephen Colbert.
I'm looking forward to Stephen Colbert, but I think I'm really going to miss Stephen Colbert.
11
Stewart and Colbert kept me sane during the Bush administration (you mean I get to laugh about torture, occupying Muslim nations, funneling our nation's treasure to private industry), so I have to say that I'll give Mr. Colbert a chance. I owe him that much.
21
As longtime viewers of this sentence know, Stephen Colbert's new show promises to be hilarious, truthy and Emmy winning.
11
The fact is Stephen, the no one will ever watch your show. This is too bad for you, but there is nothing that you or anyone else in the world can do about this. It's just who you are Stephen. I won't provide any descriptive nouns or adjectives. Everyone knows what I mean, and so there is no need for them.
No, actually no one here has the slightest idea what you mean. Translation issues, maybe?
1
Sofianitz: You wrote, "...I won't provide any descriptive nouns or adjectives. Everyone knows what I mean, and so there is no need for them...."
I wonder, could you please provide some of those "descriptive nouns or adjectives" because not everyone knows what you mean.....I, for one, have no idea.
I will watch his show and can't wait for him to be back on TV. If you're trying to be funny, it's lost on me. And the eyeball is scary, by the way.
I wonder, could you please provide some of those "descriptive nouns or adjectives" because not everyone knows what you mean.....I, for one, have no idea.
I will watch his show and can't wait for him to be back on TV. If you're trying to be funny, it's lost on me. And the eyeball is scary, by the way.
No, no one does know what you mean. Delusion has a way of making it difficult for one to be understood.
Anything but the predictable mediocrity and babble of Fallon and the inanity of Kimmel...anything!
9
Like Mr. Colbert, but feel the late night talk show hosted by a white male has been driven into the ground. Stopped watching such fare many years ago.
Because I do so very much adore the experience of laughing, I feel sorry for people who are so out of touch with their ability, assuming they ever had it, to just simply, purely laugh - without running the experience through the filters of race, gender, and all the rest. You know, just laughing.
To even use the expression "such fare" for Colbert is ridiculous because he is an original; there is no other "such fare" and clearly you don't "like Colbert", but you do like your filters. Seems to me you'll be missing out on a lot of life's joy but that's your business.
To even use the expression "such fare" for Colbert is ridiculous because he is an original; there is no other "such fare" and clearly you don't "like Colbert", but you do like your filters. Seems to me you'll be missing out on a lot of life's joy but that's your business.
2
So one of his first guests will be jeb bush, war machine candidate. This would have been a highly anticipated "meeting of the minds" if it had taken place on the Colbert Report. I'm afraid Colbert had to make some depressing "deals" to secure his new position. This does not bode well for viewers expecting a little "fresh air"(apologies to Ms. Gross) on late night talk shows.
3
Based on his groundbreaking performance opposite GW Bush at the correspondents' dinner years ago, Colbert has got to be the bravest comedian alive today. I am hoping he can keep that level of edginess in this new platform, but not optimistic -- Fallon and Kimmel used to be much more entertaining before they landed their current jobs.
It's a testament to Colbert's brilliance that so many conservatives commenting here didn't realize that he was playing a character on The Colbert Report.
14
I agree he's brilliant, but his Colbert Report performance wasn't subtle. Not realizing he was playing a character speaks more to the viewer's resistance to self-examination than Colbert's talent.
We/ve already set our DVD to record Colbert's new show. Sadly it will be too late for us to watch on the west coast, so we'll watch it the next day. I have always loved him, and it's not based on his "conservative character". I love his, oh, silliness, which is a real art. Not everyone can pull it off without embarrassment. But I found his interviews to be the most engaging. He sort of left his conservative "persona" behind. His intelligent and funny questions or comments to his guests, were brilliant. This is combination of comedic sense and intellect is what will make his new show great. I can't wait to see it.
12
I can only hope that this means more more and more Amy Sedaris guest appearances!
10
The old late night television format is getting a bit tired. "Monologue, guest, guest, band" has been run into the ground. I'm hoping for something new, but not holding my breath. I'm really surprised Stephen Colbert managed to maintain that Bill. ORiley on acid persona for so many years. I hope he can work it in now and again as a treat for his long term fans. Good luck Stephen, I will watch your show with expectations of greatness.
3
It would seem that Mr. Colbert will bring a new roster of guests to his show, well beyond the usual celebrity chit-chat, in the way that Jack Paar did with people like Dody Goodman, the writer Jack Douglas (My Brother Was an Only Child), Genevieve, and, of course, the inimitable Alexander King (Mine Enemy Grows Older) as well as Jonathan Winters and, of course, Charlie Weaver (Cliff Arquette and his Letters from Mt. Idy). Perhaps, truly, a New York show.
1
Colbert doesn't do much for me, I'm afraid. Like so many of the recent late-night folks, he seems to find himself immensely funny, and perhaps that's just the right vibe for this self-centered era.
But he makes me long for a bit of subtlety, restraint, silence.
Then again, I was largely immune to Jon Stewart's charm, too, so perhaps I'm just desperately out of step.
But he makes me long for a bit of subtlety, restraint, silence.
Then again, I was largely immune to Jon Stewart's charm, too, so perhaps I'm just desperately out of step.
2
And I found the opposite, that Colbert, even in character, was subtle and had some regard for the intelligence of the audience, whereas Stewart oversold most jokes with overbroad delivery, not just winks and nods but also elbow jabs to the ribs, repetition, seltzer water and whoopie cushions, and frankly was just a little too broadly "New Yawk" for my taste.
The one thing Colbert has working for him that seems unaddressed in these comments is the insatiable need of people in the public eye to have air time, without much concern to the nature of that air time. Say anything you want, just be talking about me. Heat for heat's sake; that's what passes for discourse in the United States today. I think Mr. Colbert, a very skilled and talented intellect who could appear to flatter you while dismantling you, will do very well in this environment, and the celebs/politicos/wannabes will participate happily in their own mocking. I expect Mr. Colbert to deconstruct American pop culture before our very eyes, while seeming to celebrate it. I can't wait.
13
Please Steven, keep doing "The Word"!
I think you and your staff invented that for the Colbert Report, and it was always clever and hilarious.
I think you and your staff invented that for the Colbert Report, and it was always clever and hilarious.
10
I agree that Colbert, while talented must make a complete shift in his approch. He will succeed if he move to an a-political center (a la Carson, Leno, Rivers Letterman). If he drags in the tiresome narrow snarky bias material he will fail.
Some of us like the snarky biased material because it reflects how we feel about the world as well, and it makes us feel just a little bit sane that day.
6
I cringed when Mr. Colbert heaped scorn on a squirming President Bush sitting barely ten feet away at the White House Correspondents Dinner, although I agreed that the sentiment was well deserved. I felt sorry for Mr. Bush and anxious for Mr. Colbert who, I was afraid, was wielding truth too dangerously to wreak havoc with a nation punch drunk on a variety of cool aid notions such as American Exceptionalism and the Free Market.
My fears proved unwarranted. The hopes I now have for the Late Night Show are perhaps too high: may the lit candle with which Mr. Colbert roams the streets of power discover enough of our leaders able and willing to wield truth to wean us away from our cool aid habits.
My fears proved unwarranted. The hopes I now have for the Late Night Show are perhaps too high: may the lit candle with which Mr. Colbert roams the streets of power discover enough of our leaders able and willing to wield truth to wean us away from our cool aid habits.
12
I was no fan of Bush, but I cringed, too, when I watched Colbert's White House Correspondents Dinner speech and saw the Bushes' body language. But, that moment made me realize on a whole new level how grateful I am to be an American, living in a land where Colbert could reasonably expect to walk away and not fear that he or his family would be "disappeared" or imprisoned and tortured. I thank both Colbert and Bush for that.
I'm beyond excited about this new show, but seriously? Stewart & Colbert doing "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" would be *perfection*.
12
I think what I will miss the most about The Colbert Report is not only Stephen's razor sharp humor, but his satirical activism...off the sound stage.
I am absolutely certain he will be as entertaining to watch on the Tonight Show, I hope he will continue to inspire others to take political action to expose the insanity of contemporary American politics.
I am absolutely certain he will be as entertaining to watch on the Tonight Show, I hope he will continue to inspire others to take political action to expose the insanity of contemporary American politics.
7
I think Colbert is a witty genius, but I hope he changes one aspect of his interview style. He needs to let the guests finish their thoughts before interrupting. On Comedy Central playing an over the top aggressive conservative, he often dominated the conversations and sometimes he would interrupt the guest just as they were saying something witty or profound. Seeing as that behavior could have been part of his character, I accepted it. I wish him luck and success.
6
I agree 100%. Stephen Colbert's humanity, wit and brilliance are unsurpassed (except for my idol, Jon Stewart), but his interviews drove me crazy. He is so good. I know that he will be successful @ CBS. I wish him the best of luck!
Talk about a headline - clever as it is - driving a story. Late night talk is in very good hands. The two Jimmys and Conan are incredible.
Not that there is not room for more. But to suggest we are all waiting for something better is just not accurate.
Silly newspaper.
Not that there is not room for more. But to suggest we are all waiting for something better is just not accurate.
Silly newspaper.
1
There are many "models" of late night persona, ranging from the very best -- Jack Paar and Johnny, whose last name doesn't even need to be mentioned -- to the two Jimmys, who personas are as unenlightened and soporific as any who handled this role in the last 50 years. Some people watch to be genuinely entertained by an energetic, upbeat wit; others want someone who will lull them to sleep even before turning off the TV. While some of the distinctions depend on the writers -- their own cleverness, depth, and ability to hit on the right topics, most of it depends on the man (or woman in Joan Rivers case) heading the show. Colbert is full of energy, capable of more depth and more content in his dialogue than his two competitors. He doesn't move from one line, one laugh, next topic the way other hosts often do. If the late night audience hasn't been completely dumbed down, he should be a big success. Letterman followers will not find the same kind of silliness and relaxed atmosphere: Colbert is more intense, and some of Letterman's audience may move on. But Colbert has a large following and the intense interest in how he will handle this new role should ensure high ratings, at least out of the gate. Best wishes, Steve!
6
Primarily, I feel that Steve is a decent human being.
I will never forget or forgive the way that Letterman and Leno treated Monica Lewinsky. All justified by the laughs, mostly canned. She was and remains a human being, who was treated mercilessly by Clinton, opposing lawyers and the press.
I somehow feel Colbert just may have transcended this, perhaps.
AlRodbell.com
AlRodbell.com
I will never forget or forgive the way that Letterman and Leno treated Monica Lewinsky. All justified by the laughs, mostly canned. She was and remains a human being, who was treated mercilessly by Clinton, opposing lawyers and the press.
I somehow feel Colbert just may have transcended this, perhaps.
AlRodbell.com
AlRodbell.com
8
Bringing brains back to TV, one show at a time. Go Stephen!
16
Stephen is a joyful, playful breath of fresh air in late night (if there can be such a thing). My family enjoyed the Report over the years (Stephen actually featured a letter my kids wrote him about the purpose of his SuperPac), and we are eager to see how he handles the big stage.
Good luck, Stephen - let your bright light shine! Also, please bring back Ham Rove during election coverage.
Good luck, Stephen - let your bright light shine! Also, please bring back Ham Rove during election coverage.
8
I love your description of "joyful, playful breath of fresh air" for Stephen Colbert; that captures his TV personae so well.
I had the pleasure of meeting Stephen (along with Amy and Paul) at a book signing during their "Wigfield" tour in 2003. He was as funny and charming as one could hope for. I haven't watched ANY late night program regularly for many years, but I'm excited to see what Stephen does in this time slot. Best of luck!
10
I am looking forward to Stephen's show. Been an avid fan of the Report since the beginning, Good luck Stephen and here's hoping your knock it out of the ballpark.
9
It is so courageous to be another one-sided left-wing TV "comedian." I am a liberal but bored to tears by the predictability.
2
Granden: I hope I am never, ever "bored to tears" in life! Stephen Colbert is so extremely far from that kind of attitude as to be off the charts. He made us laugh to tears, quite regularly, in my family, but "bored to tears"? Never.
The person who described him as a "joyful, playful breath of fresh air"? Now THERE'S somebody who "gets" Stephen Colbert.
The person who described him as a "joyful, playful breath of fresh air"? Now THERE'S somebody who "gets" Stephen Colbert.
In the greater NY area, Letterman and Colbert were on in the same time slot. One would think that, whichever the viewer selected would support the bias toward one or the other. Devotees of the Stewart-Colbert line-up will rally behind Stephen, Stephen, Stephen. No sense in comparing to Letterman since the basis of comparison is skewed.
1
:^D Ready, Stephan... Go for it!
1
Sensational photo of Colbert and the sign. Bravo and envy to the photographer.
11
Can't wait to see Mr. Colbert in action once again. With everything going on, it will be great to have a comedy escape from the seriousness of our daily lives. And what an auspicious time for the show to start with the Donald on the rise! Wishing all the success to Colbert and the team!
5
Never a regular viewer of his Colbert Report (the combination of snark and frenetic, especially in those interview segments just repelled me), I nonetheless really like Stephen Colbert and recognize his superior comic talents.
I've seen some great moments out of him comedically and as a thoughtful, serious man as well. His testimony before Congress was brilliant - it was about treatment of undocumented farm workers (the ones responsible for helping grow and pick the food I, you and your kids will eat today, jobs that no Americans want even when offered - true).
So, sans the character he inhabited on the Report, I'll be a regular viewer of the new Late Show.
Hash tag addicted Fallon is too shallow (at least on the show), Kimmel never caught me and I just can't seem to remember to find or record Conan! (He's super funny)
I'm ready for great wit backed up by great intelligence.
I long for it.
I've seen some great moments out of him comedically and as a thoughtful, serious man as well. His testimony before Congress was brilliant - it was about treatment of undocumented farm workers (the ones responsible for helping grow and pick the food I, you and your kids will eat today, jobs that no Americans want even when offered - true).
So, sans the character he inhabited on the Report, I'll be a regular viewer of the new Late Show.
Hash tag addicted Fallon is too shallow (at least on the show), Kimmel never caught me and I just can't seem to remember to find or record Conan! (He's super funny)
I'm ready for great wit backed up by great intelligence.
I long for it.
11
I don't know... Colbert has given up a brilliant character for political satire so that he could experience more "personal growth". He has said the interviews were the most interesting part of the show - for him. For me, the interviews at the end were the least significant part of the show.
The political satire is what I miss, and what made his show required viewing.
The political satire is what I miss, and what made his show required viewing.
4
I so much love Stephen! All of the men in this space: Conan and the two Jimmy's are igniting great sparks! Now with the invention of on-demand TV, you don't need to be a night owl to watch good TV. I'm thrilled!
1
"Hacking Victims Deserve Empathy, Not Ridicule: If hackers can get at our fetishes on Ashley Madison, they can get at anything else — your nude selfies, your health records, or whatever else you would prefer remained secret, Farhad Manjoo writes.
More importantly, don't ridicule morons who have adulterous affairs which are exposed when an online service the moron used is hacked. I hope Mr. Colbert takes on some of these meaty issues of vital importance to the nation.
More importantly, don't ridicule morons who have adulterous affairs which are exposed when an online service the moron used is hacked. I hope Mr. Colbert takes on some of these meaty issues of vital importance to the nation.
1
Stephen Colbert's Super-PAC, formed with the excellent assistance of Trevor Potter, was anything but "semi-silly." It was a thorough and horrifying education in the meaninglessness of our campaign finance laws and a true public service.
110
Will he become the "Letterman CBS needs him to be"? Good God, let's hope not. What a waste it would be to have Colbert pandering to celebrities in interviews and telling bland jokes to appeal to the wide swath watching network TV at that hour.
9
Jon Stewart nailed it: “What made that character work was the thing that Stephen had to hide, which is his humanity.” Now, Mr. Stewart said, “Instead of throwing off the cape and revealing the monster, he reveals, actually — oh, this incredibly lovely, talented man.”
I am so happy—like a new school year is going to start—to have him back on the air! Something new, something smart. Will there be any pop quizzes?
I am so happy—like a new school year is going to start—to have him back on the air! Something new, something smart. Will there be any pop quizzes?
15
What he's always done best is NOT the comedic script but the instantaneous pivot off a guest's comment -- the improv. This IS the format in which he shines. I can't wait
14
Saw a test show of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert last week and it was great! Better than I expected and I'm a fan. Stephen's background in improv makes him superior, in my opinion, to any of the late night hosts to whom he is compared. He is intelligent and quick witted which is why his interviews on his old shows were so interesting and funny and will make him successful on the new show. I'm sure he will have kinks to work out, but I am confident that with his group of writers and his talent this can be the best of late night. Great musicians too!
18
Even Letterman couldn't replace the Letterman of 10 years ago. He grew mean-spirited and stayed long past his expiration date, with his endless fixation on stale Bush/Cheney jokes. The only good thing about that show was that it pushed me to young and clever Jimmy Fallon - by far the most entertaining performer on late night television - and a true gentleman. I doubt I'll ever return to the "Late Show"
1
Only 9,661 minutes (or close to that depending on when this is published) until Stephen returns to our lives :)
It has been a long comedic dry spell since we last say him with plenty of material out there (you know, the guy with the orange hair for example).
It has been a long comedic dry spell since we last say him with plenty of material out there (you know, the guy with the orange hair for example).
4
Only 8,041 minutes away now....
Let Stephen be Stephen. He'll make a few mistakes which you'll never know. Meanwhile, he has the talent, drive and humanity to succeed. Late Night is looking like a good time to watch TV.
10
Cannot wait! Stephen is a genius! Absolutely love him! He is beyond talented and amazing!
Can't wait. I wasn't a huge fan of 'The Colbert Report' but always one of Colbert himself.
'Hi' to ya too!
'Hi' to ya too!
1
I wish Stephen Colbert all the luck in the world with his new show. I sorely miss having a decent late night show that I can watch. The stupid games and lame antics on the current crop of late night shows are not geared for adults but rather adolescents. They are another sign of the dumbing down of America and I do hope Steven Colbert will be the anecdote. Go Stephen!
27
It's not lost on me what a class act Letterman is. He declined to comment for the article because he's mature enough to know this is Stephen Colbert's moment. Unlike his whiny rival who took the Tonight Show, Letterman has moved on. I predict we'll be just as sad about the end of Stephen Colbert's run in 2035 when he passes the show on to someone who's got their first Second City audition in a few weeks....
20
Could not agree more. Late night will never be the same without Dave. I miss him a lot! But I know Colbert will come to late night with his own brand of genius- no doubt!
his best move so far? hiring the brilliant jonathan batiste.
6
Part of Mr. Colbert's charm is the contrast between his outward goody two shoes appearance and the devil that lurks within him. You think you know him, then realize you don't and wonder what he will come up with next.
So I wish him well and look forward to seeing to seeing that devilish twinkle behind that cool eyed exterior. Its fun, entertaining and often reveals something about ourselves, what we think we know.
So I wish him well and look forward to seeing to seeing that devilish twinkle behind that cool eyed exterior. Its fun, entertaining and often reveals something about ourselves, what we think we know.
24
I found Colbert somewhat entertaining most of the time, and I like people who smack politicians around of all stripes; most deserve it most of the time.
But what a contrast from 2008 when Obama was America's "hope." Now America's "hope" is Stephen Colbert's late night talk show.
But what a contrast from 2008 when Obama was America's "hope." Now America's "hope" is Stephen Colbert's late night talk show.
1
Steve Allen, Jack Paar, and Johnny Carson hosted the Tonight Show on NBC. They were three very different talented hosts. They had their audiences and with their talents and interests expanded the genre of the late night talk show. I expect Stephen Colbert to do the same (and not the Chevy Chase deer stuck in the headlight beam of an oncoming truck).
2
Can't wait for Colbert. There is such a void now that both he and Jon Stewart are gone from Comedy Central. There is no place to turn to hear somebody smart and funny put the day's news in perspective. Colbert is brilliant and it will be interesting to see him out of the character he portrayed on his old show.
12
"Mr. Colbert (the real one, not the character) has spent the summer preparing to assume command of “The Late Show.” Will he become the Letterman successor CBS needs him to be?" NYT Lets hope not. Let Stephen Colbert be Stephen Colbert.
4
It's going to be an interesting year in television and will be especially interesting to see how Mr. Colbert plays his new role. Hopefully we'll get to see Jon Stewart in a new role somewhere because their talent is sorely needed to keep America sane. CBS, please allow the Late Night show to be streamed online free in it's entirety the next day, or have reruns, for those of us who go to bed earlier. Thank you.
130
it constantly amazes me that Conan O'Brien is routinely omitted from the listing of late night hosts... he is by far the funniest and most creative of these and the only real comedic competition for Colbert... (admittedly, Conan's guests are quite lame, so I only watch the monologue and subsequent sketches)
17
Big Oil: I agree with you about Conan O'Brien; he's a very funny, original guy in the same playful spirit as Colbert. However, I think Conan changed quite a bit when that whole mess happened with him and Jay Leno and the change in networks, etc. Letterman was funny very early on - when he was on in the mornings for a while, most especially - and was original and ironic; Conan O'Brien was hilariously funny for a long time and also very original. Craig Ferguson could be very funny and was quick and witty and had a slightly different twist on the usual format. Those three in their particular times/moments were funny, original, witty, inventive. The best of all though is Stephen Colbert - really just a wondrous intellect and wit.
Energy, wit, heart with a brain
Here's to a nice 20 years
I will be watching
Here's to a nice 20 years
I will be watching
20
I was surprised to read that Colbert 'cannot succeed solely with the audience of wonkish young insomniacs who tuned into “The Colbert Report” '. I am 70 years old and almost all of my mostly older friends watched the show fanatically. OK, I admit, not at 11 pm (or whenever it was shown). Do we not count just because we recorded it to watch the next day?
320
I absolutely agree. As a 75 year old constant listener, I am really happy to have Colbert back! (And remember we were the jazz loving, black wearing, book carrying bohemians who predated all those hippies! Why wouldn't we love Colbert!)
2
Me too! I'm sure the Colbert Report had a much more demographically diverse TV audience than might be obvious at first glance. I was in the studio audience last year, and there were many oldsters like us, enjoying the smart humor in all its un-bleeped glory.
2
Me too (age 63) ...
4
But how will his last name be pronounced going forward?
4
Why would that change?
I believe that a Colbert interview was a feared event by many political folks, as he had a way to get at stuff they may not have been comfortable talking about. Colbert was fearless and yet somehow could still show respect to the guest. It was and is an amazing thing; I think he will do great on the Late Show. And yes, there is a place for smart funny.
22
I have this strong sense that Colbert will something that none of the evening talk shows ever attempted; creating a dialog, with a heavy dose of honest sincerity, not a wink and a nod to the "idea" of sincerity, but turn towards a longing, dare I say nostalgia. That, would be refreshing, something kids like me - 40 somethings - have yet to witness.
Albeit with a healthy dose intelligent humor.
Albeit with a healthy dose intelligent humor.
86
"albeit with a healthy dose (of) intelligent humor"
I am praying that he will be able to make us laugh heartily and leave us smarter by the end of a show! And, I hope to see "some" of the best characteristics of Comedy Central still be a part of his new show. He is an amazing performer/man.
I am praying that he will be able to make us laugh heartily and leave us smarter by the end of a show! And, I hope to see "some" of the best characteristics of Comedy Central still be a part of his new show. He is an amazing performer/man.
1
I'll be interested to see how Colbert's show develops. I'm not a fan of the Jimmys - Fallon is too much the smart aleck who won't shut up and let the guests talk, and Kimmel is so nice he's just snooze-inducing. So, we'll see what Colbert brings to the table. I liked his other show once in a while, but usually watched days later on Hulu. Will do the same with this new show. Good luck, Stephen.
2
Change can be good but will not be the same without Letterman in that theater.
2
Colbert is too smart for late night viewers. Fallon and Kimmel aren't the sharpest tools in the shed, so they'll always maintain good ratings. The other guys I have no idea who they are, I know one is a Brit.
I hope Stephen can pull this thing off- If not at least he gave it a shot- he's had a successful career and has plenty of money to retire comfortably.
I hope Stephen can pull this thing off- If not at least he gave it a shot- he's had a successful career and has plenty of money to retire comfortably.
1
I really liked Colbert (silent "t") but I look forward to Colbert (hard "t").
4
Why would he change the pronunciation of his name??
The joke in the pronunciation of "The Colbert Report" was the silent "t" in "Report."
The joke in the pronunciation of "The Colbert Report" was the silent "t" in "Report."
Because the silent "t' was his character. The hard "t' is the correct pronunciation of his name. I would like to see him out of character.
I go back to Johnny Carson, for years watching the late show , and then David, loving it as the best on late Tv. Loved the 10 list, wish it could bring it back or a version of it.
I wish Colbert good luck!!!!
I wish Colbert good luck!!!!
3
I understand that he wants to step out of the character he played on the Colbert Report, but I'd still like to see him do segments, from time to time, reverting to that character. It was just too good to discard completely.
12
Colbert has the most elegant, eloquent, expressive hands on television.
He is fascinating to watch.
He is fascinating to watch.
7
I rarely watch late night TV. i'll have a look at Colbert since I enjoyed both he and stewart. i'm wondering if he'll be able to perform as he could on his show when he has to appeal to a more diverse audience. I hope he doesn't have to dumb down for the 'folks'.....
3
I do not plan to look in until the show has been on a couple of weeks and Colbert & Co have had a chance to get their feet down in the deeper water they are now swimming in. I just hope the critics and Les Moonves give him the space and time to get it right.
2
With anyone else I would skip at least the first few episodes, too. (I wish I had with Larry Wilmore, for instance.) Colbert, though, completely bowled me over with the first episode of the Colbert Report. The rest of his run showed that was no fluke. He may indeed stumble out of the gate with the Late Show but I'm not betting on it, and I'm crossing my fingers something will happen that is as memorable as the very first "The Word", which introduced "truthiness" to the national lexicon.
I got tickets to the test show before they tape on air!! So excited to go see Stephen!! Loved his satirical republican personality and hopefully he won't lose his sharpness and edge to the late show...
2
Mr. Letterman was too dull and Mr. Colbert is too flippant. Mr. Colbert will do well because our populace is so jaded that we can't actually think about facts anymore. We need them delivered ironically and with maximum apathy.
Mr. Colbert will kick some serious comedic butt on late night TV. He's always been the 800 pound genius in the room, whether as the faux conservative or as himself. You wait and see.
26
He appears to have all the necessary ingredients to be a fine late-TV-guy. I do wish, however, he would stop with the cutesy stuff he is using to introduce himself. Yuk!
2
I've tried to watch Mr. Colbert's previous show, bunt never found it funny. I do agree what other commentators have said with regard to Mr. Colbert being "quick on his feet", intelligent, and witty.
I will return to watch Mr.Colbert for his several initial shows, and will hope that I can return to watching late night television.
The nature of Mr.Colbert's psyche and performance, is of course different and should be. Time will tell if Mr. Colbert's already large fan base can increase to what CBS is hoping and expecting from Mr. Colbert.
I will return to watch Mr.Colbert for his several initial shows, and will hope that I can return to watching late night television.
The nature of Mr.Colbert's psyche and performance, is of course different and should be. Time will tell if Mr. Colbert's already large fan base can increase to what CBS is hoping and expecting from Mr. Colbert.
2
Just to add a bit more…
Everyone used to rave about Monty Python. I didn't think they were funny, but when one of their movies (did they make more than one?) came out, I went to see it.
I walked out after 5 minutes, at the part where a chicken got its' head cut off and was walking erratically about.For some this was supposed to be funny, but I didn't. The first 5 minutes were even less funny!
So I will try and watch Mr. Colbert to see if he will meet the great expectations of CBS. Those who are already fans of Mr. Colbert need no
advertisements to view the new show and Mr. Colbert. Other of course do.
I'll trey and keep an open mind and see if I will be able to watch I'm this time around.
Everyone used to rave about Monty Python. I didn't think they were funny, but when one of their movies (did they make more than one?) came out, I went to see it.
I walked out after 5 minutes, at the part where a chicken got its' head cut off and was walking erratically about.For some this was supposed to be funny, but I didn't. The first 5 minutes were even less funny!
So I will try and watch Mr. Colbert to see if he will meet the great expectations of CBS. Those who are already fans of Mr. Colbert need no
advertisements to view the new show and Mr. Colbert. Other of course do.
I'll trey and keep an open mind and see if I will be able to watch I'm this time around.
I just don't see him making that transition. Letterman already had a developing problem with his tendency at irony. Today's late night audience don't want that. They want lip-sync contests, and puff pieces about celebrities. Colbert's ironic side and his cutting wit won't sit well with the intellectually lazy, PC crowd we've been nurturing for the last 30 years. We shall see.
32
He seemed to do pretty well with that crowd on his old show.
7
I don't think a nightly show pre-bed time is the same core audience as the once-a-week satirical review. What is funny and stimulating once per week, for many people becomes excessive and repetitive every night. Particularly if these people are looking to be rocked to sleep.
People do eventually grow up, and for all of our sakes let's hope intellectually challenging comedy can supplant celebrity drivel. That will be Colbert's audience. For the rest there's Trump.
5
I have never seen a grown man , kick off his shoes . and fold his legs under himself sitting on a sofa .
3
You should get out more.
Not even in San Francisco . I lived in the Castro for 4 years so don't start .
Romney, Bush, Trump.... what Colbert should do is go to Plains, Ga., and interview the most interesting political figure--Jimmy Carter.
74
Looking at his lineup for the first 2 weeks, it looks like Stephen is bringing more intelligent as well as entertaining guests to his show then is the usual fare. Definitely looking forward to the new Late Show
10
Count me out. I'd rather watch a rerun of "Law and Order" or "I Love Lucy" than this smarmy more-of-the-same-at-10:30-Central-host. I couldn't care less what Nikki Minaj or Tom Hanks are doing or what they have to say.
With all due respect to Letterman, Colbert is a thousand times more talented and charismatic than Letterman, and his Special Report infinitely better than The Late Night Show...not sure why Colbert had to fit into Letterman's smaller shoes....
3
Rarely has any performer gotten so much applause for so little talent.
1
never has such a comment been made by somebody who doesn't recognize talent. i'm not saying you have to like him, but to say he doesn't have talent is dumb.....
3
Your comment only shows how little you know.
2
oh, yes...that must be the reason he was chosen to host one of the biggest TV franchises ever.
Have you even seen this man?
Have you even seen this man?
6
Best wishes Steve. Here's hoping you make us think as David did. A tough act to follow for sure, but you've lots of David's (and your) fans rooting for you, and count me in that group...... Take care!
2
There is no doubt in my mind that Stephen will "run away" with it and will be successful. He is a tireless hard worker who is also a person of great humility. It will be quite the birthday present next Tuesday
6
Nobody has replaced Johnny Carson, nobody will replace David Letterman. I like Stephen Colbert, no Letterman however.
I don't think he has to though. Nobody can replace the greats. All that we ask is they become greats as well.
1
Mr. Colbert need only do what Dave did; consistently make the ends of our day easier.
4
Mr. Colbert...please let your hair gently and normally show its gray. Shoepolish black is not becoming. The sexiest and the most intelligent men know that after 50 men gray gracefully; for example, Jon Stewart and George Clooney.
2
Not tooooo many entertainment figures are as literary or as purely witty (cf Stephen's Tolkien references). Can't WAIT for him!
7
Welcome back, Stephen! We've missed you.
12
We can either pray or rather expect that Colbert will be better than his mindless and dull competitor on NBC.
7
Mr. Colbert has a rare combination of intelligence, education, depth of character, quick wit and a pinpoint fearlessness. He has the chance to become the most complete late night host since Jack Parr. I hope for his sake that there's still a viewership out there that wants– expects– more from its hosts than obsequious celebrity fawning and juvenile yuks presented by his competition.
305
Jack Parr being the man who hosted Goodnight Pyongyang!, North Korea's favorite late night show, for a generation. Jack PAAR, of course, will never be topped.
2
Thank you for bringing up the wonderful Jack Paar. He was great, and Colbert will do well if he can equal him.
1
Thank you for mentioning Paar. I thought I was the only one who was reminded of Johnny's immediate predecessor.
I always appreciated Stewart's and Colbert's diverse bookings. My biggest concern about the new show, in fact, is that CBS will require a high percentage of Hollywood stars flogging their latest project. Nothing would bore me stiffer and drive me away more quickly than that.
I always appreciated Stewart's and Colbert's diverse bookings. My biggest concern about the new show, in fact, is that CBS will require a high percentage of Hollywood stars flogging their latest project. Nothing would bore me stiffer and drive me away more quickly than that.
A new face for the same old, same old, tired format of late night shows: white man on a suit gives a monologue, a funny bit, same old, same old inane interviews with same old, same old roster of interviewees? I'll pass, thanks. With so many choices nowadays, time to let go of this 50's relic and come up with something new and fresh.
35
Television itself could be said to be a relic. Why are you watching at all?
4
Gosh, maybe you might want to watch at least once before judging the show? Just a thought.
13
Aren't you jumping to sweeping conclusions before the show has even aired?! How Mr. Colbert fills this particular time slot remains to be seen. Nothing about the persona of Stephen Colbert is "same ole, same ole". You apparently aren't familiar with his body of work.
7
I'm 25 now. I grew to adulthood with the sound of Stephen Colbert's voice in the background. I'm sure there are always external pressures - network desires, ratings, advertiser slots - that have to be taken into consideration in the turning over of a show like "Tonight" with this power of reach and multi-generation cultural resonance. But the network clearly made the right choice in going with Colbert. There are millions of viewers my age who have come to trust him as a source of news (really! we grasp the headlines through all the sarcastic wit), entertainment and reliable political critique that draws attention to pressing social issues (everyone remember his incredible push against the Citizen's United decision?) For my generation, he's a major figure with a distinct brand that is equaled by that of his mentor, Stewart, but surpassed by none.
309
Curious that you would put Colbert above Stewart. I think many would think the inverse.
Both are VERY bright, savvy, and on-target but Stewart has a gravitas that Colbert lacks. Stewart left the entertainment schtick 6 months ago, and you might want to think about why he did that and Colbert went "all-in."
1
"...equaled by that of his mentor, Stewart"
equal
ˈēkwəl -verb
past tense: equaled; past participle: equaled
- be equivalent to.
I think you miss the point entirely. Stewart became jaded by social issues generally. A career focused on the mindless stupidity and injustice of the world will have that effect. I don't think Stewart's voice is gone but I'm sure a break is welcome. Stephen probably took a queue from his "mentor" and exited the grind early. Where better to disembark than the Late Show?
equal
ˈēkwəl -verb
past tense: equaled; past participle: equaled
- be equivalent to.
I think you miss the point entirely. Stewart became jaded by social issues generally. A career focused on the mindless stupidity and injustice of the world will have that effect. I don't think Stewart's voice is gone but I'm sure a break is welcome. Stephen probably took a queue from his "mentor" and exited the grind early. Where better to disembark than the Late Show?
6
I'm a Baby Boomer ready to be pushed out to pasture, I sure hope you Millennials have it "together" enough that you know what you're talking about, because at the end of the day America cares more about entertainment than education, and it's that conundrum you guys are going to have to figure out within in the cauldrons of your social media fantasies.
Wit, humor, style and class...welcome back Stephen!
68
Great analysis of Colbert's Comedy Central successes and his brand new challenge at CBS. It's hard to believe that this guy's (the guy's) sheer energy, smarts and wonderful humanity won't combine to confirm he is one of the best in the business. Can hardly wait for opening night. Could we get a Letterman cameo?
7
I"m going to miss that pompous buffoon...
I hope we see flashes of him from time to time.
I hope we see flashes of him from time to time.
11
Maybe he will go "rogue", and revert to his old character?
Prediction: Stephen Colbert will be the 'king of late night' from the moment his show airs and he'll remain there for as long as it airs.
40
Can he possibly live up to expectations?
The bombastic Colbert Report Colbert would take the bull by the horns and wrestle it to the ground, but what will this more sincere (yet still sincerely hilarious) version of SC do, now that he has this dream job, to remind us all why we love him and yet how this isn't the same him that we grew to love?
Can't wait to find out.
The bombastic Colbert Report Colbert would take the bull by the horns and wrestle it to the ground, but what will this more sincere (yet still sincerely hilarious) version of SC do, now that he has this dream job, to remind us all why we love him and yet how this isn't the same him that we grew to love?
Can't wait to find out.
11
I'm concerned about unrealistic expectations too, but I think he tacked in somewhat the right direction in his tweets about the Time magazine cover. He would have handled that more deftly and more amusingly in his Colbert Report days (the image would have played beautifully into his character), but he probably did the best he could considering that most of his time and energy have to be devoted to getting the show ready.
If his current promos indicate anything I will not be watching.
3
I agree with you, Laura. The promos have been pretty lame. I hope the show proves better than the marketing...
Let's not consider Mr. Colbert in Letterman's terms, but in his own terms. Stephen will not be David and, frankly, no one--but perhaps he--knows what he will be (like). I do believe that Stephen Colbert is smart enough, and talented enough, that he will be well-prepared to make a go of it. Tune in and see!
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
4
I can't wait to see the Late Show with Stephen. It is going to be fun!
2
One thing that made Letterman was he was self-deprecating. Colbert has been, while admittedly very smart, self promoting and pompous. Times may have changed and he has a great following, but I wonder if that will follow through for the late night audience which wants entertainment as opposed to commentary.
7
Ahem; Colbert has been..."self promoting and pompous." Yes but he has been playing a self-promoting and pompous character styled after grandmaster self-promoter and ego-head Bill O'Reilly.
4
I think you're confusing his character with the man.
5
But it's not REAL pompous. He's making fun of pompous people.
4
This will be my return to TV also. It's been 2 years now, one of them will have to be re-hung and the flat plastic antenna fastened to the wall (Yay! The nail is still there.) I don't know if they make a more modern TV recording machine but the VCR is around somewhere, and I have a 3-pack of Maxells, unused, 6 hours each and...Uh oh. Now I have to program the machine for 11:35. There is a way to do it, but all the clocks must be turned forward 5 minutes. Or is it backwards...
Man, this is gonna be great, I feel 40 again already. This also gives me a reason to call my friend, the priest. I never know what to talk with him about after the sin list. Steven Colbert has made more than one confession less uncomfortable. Communion, here I come.
Man, this is gonna be great, I feel 40 again already. This also gives me a reason to call my friend, the priest. I never know what to talk with him about after the sin list. Steven Colbert has made more than one confession less uncomfortable. Communion, here I come.
16
I look forward to watching Colbert.
4
The thing is -- The format of the tonight show (mostly vapid celebs touting action films) would have to change before I watched.
Also Colbert is officially a 1%'er and that can change a person.
5
He's bringing in authors and artists and academics, people of substance alongside the entertainers. I wouldn't discount what he can do just yet.
3
I think having his father and brothers killed when he was ten would negate the whole being changed by money thing too much. Perspective and all that.
2
Alex B I hope you are right but CBS execs have more power than you might realize. If the ratings arent there in coming months? You will be seeing various Kardashians on his show.
Edward, I am not sure I see the connection you are making. Lots of sudden money (and lots of handlers) changes even the well-grounded person.
Edward, I am not sure I see the connection you are making. Lots of sudden money (and lots of handlers) changes even the well-grounded person.
I have no doubt that Mr. Colbert will be funny and entertaining to watch. I saw him speak as the "real" Colbert at the University at Buffalo, and he was a great mix of intelligence and lunacy. I do think that while the Colbert Report was a terrific show and character, it likely boxed him in a bit.
100
I can't wait for Stephen to return. He will be very successful, he has all the requisites to be great! I think he will soon be number 1 on the night shows. Kimmel will be third.
1
Can hardly wait. For me Stephen Colbert is the only one who can begin to fill the void left by the game-changers David Letterman and Jon Stewart.
As a long time viewer of all three,, I'm anticipating something very special, and I think I won't be disappointed.
As a long time viewer of all three,, I'm anticipating something very special, and I think I won't be disappointed.
75
I concur Pertwee!
1
I truly wish Steve Colbert much success, he's truly a good guy endowed with comedic genius worthy of the "Late Show" moniker. My only concern is how much of a paradigm shift can he bring to late night TV that will make much of a difference and keep viewers watching? Today's audiences have a plethora of 24/7 entertainment options that never existed back in the glory days of Johnny Carson. Leno and Letterman tried to be sincere "emulators" of the Carson mystic, but grew stale over time. Kimmel and Fallon are the "new kids on the block" with fresh ideas and funny stuff, but too awash in "goofiness" to be endearing. To succeed Colbert will need to "break the mold" and recast the late night genre into something "captivating". Good luck Steven!!!
98
Letterman did not grow stale. He remained consistently entertaining. I miss him. I will give Colbert three shows to prove himself in that format.
1
It's Stephen, not Steven. (This is personal.)
3
Counting the minutes til Tuesday!
23
I'm rooting for him. Good luck Stephen!
36
Well, good luck Mr. Colbert. You mocked a lot of people and make a lot of speeches on The Colbert Report. People remember that. Since conservatives are half the population, you will need them back now. I wouldn't mock people on your new show. We are also a forgiving people. Just not twice.
9
Conservatives are not half the population and definitely don't have a sense of humor so I doubt that any of them watched Letterman so they are not likely to watch Stephen.
137
His character on Colbert mocked people. You need to understand he's an actor.
23
He didn't mock conservatives in general. He mocked conservatives who deserved to be mocked. And if you deserve it and don't like it, well, don't watch I guess?
78
"Even with no cameras to play to, Mr. Colbert is quick-witted, acerbic and loquacious. He uses words like “catharsis” in casual conversation and can flawlessly pronounce the name of the Mesoamerican deity Quetzalcoatl."
I like the fact Colbert will be as erudite as Dave was. And yet more likeable. I used to watch Letterman with some regularity but behind his jokes was often a bit of distaste, a bit of anger, a sarcastic jab that was funny, but then not so much after it got digested.
I'm looking forward to Colbert who seems more open, more free-thinking, and able to deliver zingers that create laughter, not bruises. Based on this article, it promises to offer a fresh new approach to both politics and culture, along with more cerebral humor we really need in this time of idiocy in our government and political polarization.
I like the fact Colbert will be as erudite as Dave was. And yet more likeable. I used to watch Letterman with some regularity but behind his jokes was often a bit of distaste, a bit of anger, a sarcastic jab that was funny, but then not so much after it got digested.
I'm looking forward to Colbert who seems more open, more free-thinking, and able to deliver zingers that create laughter, not bruises. Based on this article, it promises to offer a fresh new approach to both politics and culture, along with more cerebral humor we really need in this time of idiocy in our government and political polarization.
171
Sucess? Depends. Is he just another media left wing Democrat Marxist? If so, no he will fail.
1
Could you please name a few "media left wing Democratic Marxists"? I'm curious who you mean.
4
Who is the other "left wing Democrat Marxist?"
Please let me know so I can tune into that show as well...
Please let me know so I can tune into that show as well...
6
Hysterical. Yes, I prefer Megyn, Bill and the other funny nitwits at Faux for my entertainment. Right-wing lies and distortions provide soooo much laughter, as does your silly post!
4
Nobody could be smarter or funnier. This should be a great show.
60
"Stephen Colbert, the Late Night Hope"
Some of us can recall the time when"The Late Show" - and "The Late Late Show" on CBS - were wonderful old movies run for the benefit of night owls and insomniacs - following the eleven-o'clock news...filling the time until the network "signed off" for the night --
Thank goodness there's Turner Classic Movies -- which for many viewers - has become the 24-Hour Hope...
Some of us can recall the time when"The Late Show" - and "The Late Late Show" on CBS - were wonderful old movies run for the benefit of night owls and insomniacs - following the eleven-o'clock news...filling the time until the network "signed off" for the night --
Thank goodness there's Turner Classic Movies -- which for many viewers - has become the 24-Hour Hope...
4
and Netflix, and Hulu and Amazon Prime videos, and cable networks........
Yay for non-sequitur?
2
I liked Colbert well enough as a Comedy Central "newscaster."
But it doesn't matter if Colbert succeeds and become Letterman in a way which CBS would like.
It's entertainment television.
Like pro sports or the latest Hollywood blockbuster movie, It doesn't matter or have any real importance.
But it doesn't matter if Colbert succeeds and become Letterman in a way which CBS would like.
It's entertainment television.
Like pro sports or the latest Hollywood blockbuster movie, It doesn't matter or have any real importance.
6
I have to disagree with you here. Stewart and Colbert have been THE source of political, financial and cultural news and analysis for an entire generation of people. Colbert's creation of a super-pac ALONE is a great example of how he used comedy and satire to educate us on some of the problems inherent in our current politics. Both these entertainers (yes, I agree that's who they are) have consistently "spoken truth to power" using their programs. It's been very valuable and important work.
75
Your opinion. I actually think it's quite important to quite a lot of people who use it as something to enrich their lives. But hey, life itself doesn't matter so what's the point, am I right my man? Up top!
5
If the ratings go down, so does the revenue that CBS gets.
Money speaks!
Money speaks!
Wishing you all the best Stephen! I can't wait to watch The Late Show!
7
Being a reader and not a watcher of news, I still don't know how to pronounce his name. Like the old ironist, French, t-less fellow? or has he become just plain Coal Bert (like Dilbert and Dogbert)?
Coal-BEAR.
1
He changed the pronunciation to Coal-BEAR; his family pronounces it COAL-bert.
4
Two quick comments. One, the photography for this piece was outstanding. Two, yes, the piece is correct that Fallon and Kimmel don't do politics, and with the insanity of the current Republican clown car thank goodness Mr. Colbert does.
272
I'm glad not to be the only one appreciating Damon Winter's excellent work here. The first two photos (marquee and couch) are both outstanding compositions; the couch shot also captures a great moment. Well done, Damon!
4
I'm certain that I speak for many in acknowledging that facing the daily plethora of depressing news minus the intelligent and hilarious insights of both Stewart and Colbert has been downright depressing. Bring it on Steven....I can't wait!!
155
Now all we have is once a week with John Oliver...... a port in the storm......... Stewart was brilliant choosing these men and many more for his show
1
How does he plan to keep his lucrative faux conservative alter ego undercover.
Probably easily because it was fake.
3
How did Marlon Brando keep his Stanley Kowalski character undercover while he was playing Vito Corleone?
4
For a prime example of his subversive humor, check out Colbert's strategically placed left thumb in the elevator photo.
23
Methinks you have over-reached your point.
Well, okie-dokie! I'm in for the long haul!
1
Colbert is an immense talent. Let's hope that in this era of fabricated personalities and self-promotion he uses his talents to help his audience see through the images, devices and verbiage used to sell personalities, products and viewpoints, and better understand the complexities and nuances of the world as it actually is.
254
Good Luck Stephen ! You're going to be great !
Since Letterman went off the air in May, I've barely watched TV. There has been no reason to. Please fill the great, gaping, black void in late night network comedy.
Since Letterman went off the air in May, I've barely watched TV. There has been no reason to. Please fill the great, gaping, black void in late night network comedy.
8
Colbert hired the producer of NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me to work on the new show. That indicates what we'll see and hear will be literate, plugged in, witty and not dumbed down. A show for grown ups. Hallelujah!
307
oh god. i HATE wait wait don't tell me.
so tired.
so tired.
1