The final weeks of Stephen Colbert’s late-night show are unfolding not as a farewell, but as a carefully constructed narrative, according to commentator Guy Benson. He suggests Colbert is already positioning himself for a future where he’ll portray a figure unjustly silenced, a victim of political pressure.
Variety recently noted a shift in the show’s tone, observing that what began as “resistance” now feels increasingly like an “ego tour.” Guests are delivering eulogies, not to a show ending naturally, but to a platform Colbert seems to believe was unfairly taken from him.
Colbert himself signaled a change in approach upon learning of the cancellation, declaring “the gloves are off” for the remainder of the run. This suggests a deliberate escalation of his criticisms, a final volley before stepping down.
Benson believes this isn’t solely driven by genuine conviction. He posits that Colbert is strategically building a brand for his next venture – likely a lucrative podcast – framed around the idea of being suppressed due to Trump’s influence and CBS’s alleged acquiescence.
The core message, Benson argues, will be a call to “resistance,” subtly urging his audience to financially support his future endeavors as a form of defiance. It’s a continuation of the fight, but now with a direct financial incentive for listeners.
Benson further contends that the show has become overwhelmingly one-sided, focused almost entirely on criticizing a single political party. This lack of balance, he suggests, renders the program increasingly predictable and, ultimately, uninteresting.
Donald Trump, predictably, celebrated the show’s demise, openly expressing his delight at the cancellation. He even hinted that Jimmy Kimmel Live! might be the next late-night program to face the ax, signaling a continued willingness to engage in this media battle.
