In the ever-evolving landscape of late-night television, few moments have been as electric and satisfying as the recent news that Stephen Colbert, the once-beloved host of CBS’s The Late Show, would be stepping down, marking the end of his 33-year run. Colbert, a veteran comedian known for his biting political commentary and progressive stance, found himself at the center of a media storm as his show, which consistently failed to resonate with a significant portion of the audience, was quietly cancelled.

While Colbert’s departure would have likely been a humbling experience for most, the manner in which the media reacted to it—especially the comments from fellow TV hosts and commentators—made for one of the more interesting media moments of the year. In a bold and unrelenting statement, one well-known TV host didn’t hold back. “Karma is a b***h,” they said, roasting the end of Colbert’s career and calling attention to his many controversial moments on air. In a rare moment of collective satisfaction, those who watched his political tirades over the years couldn’t help but feel the sting of poetic justice as Colbert’s reign came to an end.

From Political Satire to Personal Demise

Colbert’s departure is seen by many as the natural result of his inability to connect with a broad audience over the past few years. For the first decade of The Late Show, Colbert was considered a comedic genius, with his sharp political humor and spot-on impersonations of key political figures—particularly former President Donald Trump. His show became a go-to destination for left-leaning audiences who tuned in for nightly doses of satire that served as a counterbalance to the increasing divisiveness in the political landscape.

However, the tides began to turn as Colbert’s humor took a sharper, more divisive turn. His approach to politics became increasingly one-sided, alienating those who felt his humor, which once felt clever and inclusive, was now more about attacking those who didn’t share his views. As ratings for late-night shows began to fluctuate, Colbert’s brand of political comedy grew less entertaining and more tiresome for many viewers who didn’t align with his values.

By 2025, the cracks began to show. CBS, under increasing pressure to regain viewership in the face of declining ratings, announced that The Late Show would end, marking the close of an era for Colbert’s show. For many, it wasn’t just the poor ratings that led to his cancellation, but the disconnect he had created with a large swath of his once-dedicated audience. Colbert’s increasingly partisan approach to comedy no longer felt like entertainment; it felt like a political lecture. His show, once a beacon of late-night comedy, had become a pulpit for his political beliefs.

The Colbert Decline: A Self-Inflicted Fall

Despite having one of the most successful careers in late-night television, Colbert’s journey to the top was overshadowed by his obsession with politics. Rather than leaving his audience entertained with clever skits and biting humor, he used his platform as an outlet to voice his personal disdain for President Trump, conservatives, and those he labeled as “modern-day Hitlers.” His political commentary, while clever at times, became increasingly hostile, creating a barrier between Colbert and a sizable portion of his audience.

One of Colbert’s most defining and most public moments occurred when he gleefully celebrated the firing of Fox News’ Tucker Carlson in 2023. His excitement, bordering on vindictive, was evident as he spoke about it during his show. Colbert’s unrelenting attacks on Carlson and his fanbase exemplified the kind of bitterness that many viewers had come to associate with his late-night persona. In that moment, he lost sight of what had made him so successful in the first place: his ability to entertain, rather than lecture.

Perhaps Colbert’s biggest downfall came when he seemed to abandon his comedic instincts in favor of political ideology. Instead of allowing his guests to speak freely and offer diverse perspectives, Colbert repeatedly shut down anyone who didn’t align with his views. Those few rare moments when a guest or comedian with a differing opinion appeared were almost always quickly followed by a condescending remark or an eye-roll from Colbert. It was clear that The Late Show had become more about pushing a specific political agenda than it was about entertainment or comedy.

A Moment of Humility: The Final Goodbye

It wasn’t just his declining ratings and increasing audience alienation that led to Colbert’s fall. The timing of his firing—just as his critiques of the political establishment and those in power were reaching a fever pitch—added fuel to the fire. After years of pontificating on the virtues of his own views, Colbert was finally humbled. He took the news of his firing with his usual bravado, even claiming that his exit was simply the end of The Late Show rather than his own personal demise.

In his final moments on air, Colbert delivered a tone-deaf and lackluster statement that lacked the self-awareness many hoped he would have. He mentioned that he wouldn’t be replaced, implying that the political climate had shifted, but for many, it was clear: The Late Show had just run its course.

The Legacy of Colbert: A Divisive Figure in Media History

While Colbert leaves behind a legacy of wit, intelligence, and satire, his years spent on The Late Show are likely to be remembered for all the wrong reasons. His success, once undeniable, will now be tainted by the fact that he couldn’t adapt his brand of humor to meet the shifting demands of his audience. His penchant for partisan attacks and relentless political commentary ultimately turned what should have been a comedic escape into a battleground for his own beliefs.

His eventual move from mainstream television to independent platforms might be seen as a step forward for Colbert, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that his transition to digital media is the culmination of his fall from grace. No longer the darling of network TV, Colbert is now part of a wave of media figures finding refuge on platforms where they can continue to push their messages unchallenged. For Colbert, this may be a chance to regain control of his career, but for many, it’s just another example of how media personalities who disregard the broader audience can fall from the heights they once reached.

Final Thoughts: The End of an Era

As Colbert bows out of mainstream late-night TV, it’s clear that the golden era of political satire on network television is over. The rise of independent platforms, where figures like Colbert can bypass the gatekeepers of traditional media, signals a new era for content creators. However, the lesson here is clear: when you alienate a significant portion of your audience, even the most powerful networks won’t save you.

For those who have been waiting for Colbert’s departure, there is no feeling of vindication—just a quiet sense of satisfaction that karma has, at last, caught up with him. For others, the end of The Late Show marks the end of an era that once promised insightful humor and brilliant commentary, but ultimately became mired in bitterness, division, and a self-imposed exile from the very people he once entertained.

In the end, The Late Show was more than just a late-night talk show. It was the story of a once-great comedian who, in trying to remain relevant, ultimately lost the ability to connect with those who had once made him a household name.