Stephen Colbert and late night
Summary
Linda Holmes and Eric Nalder discuss the end of Stephen Colbert’s *Late Show*, analyzing whether economic pressures or political tensions with the Trump administration drove CBS’s decision. They explore Colbert’s evolution from his satirical *Colbert Report* persona to an authentic host who championed "truthiness" against misinformation. The conversation also covers the shifting landscape of late-night television, including the impact of streaming and the network’s controversial lease of the time slot to Byron Allen.
Topics discussed
Intro, NPR promos, and guest introduction
Context: The end of The Late Show and its timing
Colbert's hosting style: Authenticity and earnestness
Late night camaraderie and the shift to authenticity
The concept of 'Truthiness' and its real-world impact
Economics of late night and promotional value
CBS's decision, Byron Allen, and network strategy
Future of late night and show credits
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