Stephen Colbert’s farewell episode of The Late Show was expected to be a defining cultural moment — the final appearance of one of late night television’s most recognizable and politically outspoken hosts.
After CBS announced last year that the show would be ending, Colbert hinted that he would no longer hold back, telling viewers that “the gloves are off.” Many fans took that as a sign that his final episodes would lean heavily into the sharp political satire that helped shape his career.
Instead, Thursday night’s finale took a softer and more reflective approach, focusing on celebration and nostalgia rather than confrontation. For some viewers, that felt like a missed chance for Colbert to deliver the kind of bold political commentary that once defined his work.
The second-last episode on Wednesday briefly captured some of that sharper edge, though much of it came from the guests themselves. Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro made jokes referencing the Epstein files, while Bruce Springsteen performed his protest song Streets of Minneapolis, inspired by recent crackdowns on anti-ICE demonstrations.
“I’m here in support tonight for Stephen,” Springsteen said. “You’re the first guy in America who’s lost his show because we’ve got a president who can’t take a joke.”
Moments like those reflected the tone some viewers had hoped would carry through the finale itself.
But the final episode largely avoided direct political commentary. Instead, it featured musical performances and heartfelt tributes. Colbert shared the stage with Sir Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Late Show bandleader Louis Cato and former bandleader Jon Batiste, all tied together through a recurring “interdimensional wormhole” comedy sketch. No politicians were directly mentioned during the show.
A tradition of softer farewells
Late-night finales have traditionally been treated as celebratory send-offs rather than political battlegrounds.
Canadian comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff told CBC News that “network television has always been the most conservative venue for comedy,” adding that finales are usually “generally gentle.”
He also noted that network television still comes with limitations, especially compared with streaming platforms or online spaces where comedians have more freedom to swear or tackle controversial subjects openly.
Colbert’s farewell followed a familiar formula: a reflective monologue, a look back at his career, expressions of gratitude to staff and fans, and appearances from celebrity friends. Previous late-night hosts such as Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Conan O’Brien also chose warmth and sentimentality over divisive political statements in their final broadcasts.
Still, for audiences who associated Colbert with biting satire and pointed political criticism, the restraint stood out.
A guest list that highlighted late night’s lack of diversity
The finale also reflected a broader issue within late-night television: its continued lack of diversity.
The guest lineup included Colbert’s Strike Force Five podcast collaborators Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver and Seth Meyers — a gathering of familiar late-night personalities.
However, among roughly 15 celebrity appearances, 12 were white men. Comedian Tig Notaro was the only woman to make a brief appearance.
One of the night’s more self-aware jokes came from Seth Meyers, who quipped, “without you, where would America turn to watch a middle-aged white man deliver the news?” The line worked both as comedy and as commentary on the state of the industry.
Late night searching for a new direction
Colbert’s finale also highlighted larger questions about the future of late-night television.
Efforts to diversify the format have seen mixed success. Trevor Noah brought an international perspective to The Daily Show, while Lilly Singh’s short-lived network program struggled to gain traction.
Canadian comedian Samantha Bee broke ground with her satirical nightly TBS series Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, while Hasan Minhaj hosted Patriot Act on Netflix. Both shows were eventually cancelled despite critical attention.
Experts interviewed by CBC News argued that late-night comedy is at a turning point. Audiences now consume much of this content online through short clips on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The challenge, critics say, is figuring out sustainable business models while also creating space for sharper and more diverse voices outside the restrictions of traditional network television.
Colbert’s finale, packed with familiar faces from the existing late-night circle, reinforced the sense that television still struggles to consistently give newer or different voices lasting opportunities.
Choosing nostalgia over confrontation
From the beginning, Colbert framed the finale as a tribute to his audience and staff, emphasizing appreciation, memories and warmth over political confrontation.
For viewers hoping he would use his final platform to deliver a forceful critique — especially of a presidency he had frequently targeted throughout his career — the softer tone felt intentional.
There are understandable reasons for that choice. After years dominated by political division, relentless news cycles and public exhaustion, a comforting and celebratory farewell can feel appropriate.
At the same time, many expected more from a comedian whose career was built on blending humour with political commentary. Some hoped the finale would not only look back on his legacy, but also make a stronger statement about the future.
In the end, Colbert chose reflection and familiarity over provocation. For critics of the finale, that decision left behind a sense of unfinished possibility — the feeling that a more daring farewell could have challenged audiences more directly and pushed for greater public accountability.
Harnaik Singh Rathor is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of StudioX News Canada, Canada's multilingual digital news network serving diaspora communities across 44 languages. With a background in media production, public relations, and multicultural communications, he founded StudioX Film and TV Corporation to bridge the gap between mainstream Canadian media and the country's diverse immigrant communities. He is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), RTDNA Canada, CPRS Vancouver, Unifor, NEPMCC, and the Canada Freelance Union. Based in Surrey, British Columbia. | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harnaiksinghrathor/ | Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/harnaiksinghrathor | Email: editor@studioxnews.ca
