The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Colin Cowherd Podcast - CBS Cancels The Late Show w/ Stephen Colbert, Why Late Night Is DYING

Jul 19, 2025
The podcast delves into CBS's cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, sparking reflections on the show's legacy. The discussion highlights a pivotal moment when Colbert's political opinions reshaped his comedic approach. It examines how viewers' habits are shifting and how political commentary has impacted late-night comedy's appeal. The deterioration of traditional comedic roots and the evolving landscape of entertainment are scrutinized, shedding light on the challenges comedians face in today's divided environment.
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ANECDOTE

Colin's Late-Night Comedy Roots

  • Colin Cowherd shares his personal experience growing up watching Johnny Carson and David Letterman, highlighting their different styles of comedy.
  • He admired Carson's countrywide appeal and Letterman's insider humor, shaping his perspective on late-night shows.
INSIGHT

Live Comedy's Unique Challenge

  • Most established great late-night hosts were stand-up comedians who wrote their own material.
  • Comedy's power comes from performing live with authenticity, unlike scripted acting with multiple takes.
ANECDOTE

Colbert's Original Satire Character

  • Colin Cowherd recounts Stephen Colbert's start as a satirical character on Jon Stewart's show.
  • The character was a far-right buffoon, which Colbert's initial late-night show struggled to evolve beyond.
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