Stephen Colbert is a well-known American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He is best known for hosting the satirical Comedy Central program The Colbert Report from 2005 to 2014 and the CBS talk program The Late Show with Stephen Colbert since September 2015.Â
In the enigmatic realm of late-night television, where hosts come and go like fleeting comets, one luminary has remained a steadfast presence: Stephen Colbert. Amidst the perpetual rumors and fleeting whispers of hosts’ departures, Colbert stands resolute, reigning over the nocturnal kingdom with unparalleled wit, profound humor, and incisive political commentary.
Our odyssey into the depths of this multifaceted maestro’s existence begins not in the present, but in the annals of his intriguing past. Who is Stephen Colbert, this titan of humor, intellect, and satire?
Stephen Colbert, the polymathic virtuoso, dons many hats: a comedian, writer, producer, political analyst, actor, and the venerable host of ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’. Born on May 13, 1964, Colbert’s journey through the labyrinth of entertainment commenced with dramatic aspirations. However, destiny had an improvisational twist in store for him during his tenure at Northwestern University, where he met the venerable Del Close, the maestro of Second City.
Embarking on his professional expedition, Colbert found himself amid the hallowed halls of Second City Chicago, serving as Steve Carell’s understudy. Here, amidst the ebb and flow of creativity, he forged alliances with comedy stalwarts like Paul Dinello and Amy Sedaris, birthing the sketch comedy series, ‘Exit 57’. His narrative intertwined further with Sedaris and Dinello on the television series, ‘Strangers with Candy’, etching his name deeper into the annals of comedy history.
Current Status
- As of November 2023, there is no official announcement that Stephen Colbert is leaving CBS
- Colbert’s contract on The Late Show is set to end in 2023
- There is speculation about whether or not he will continue hosting the show after his contract ends
- Late-night icons such as David Letterman hosted for well over 30 years before retiring from television, while others such as Craig Ferguson opted for shorter periods at the desk
- Colbert continues to top late night’s rating lists, only challenged occasionally by Fox News’s Greg Gutfeld
Previous Rumors
- In 2019, there were rumors that Stephen Colbert was considering leaving CBS to run for president
- Colbert addressed the rumors on his show, saying, “I’m not running for president. I’m going to do everything in my power to elect anyone but Donald Trump in 2020”
- In 2020, there were rumors that Colbert was considering leaving CBS to host a new show on HBO Max
- However, these rumors were never confirmed, and Colbert continued to host The Late Show on CBSÂ
But what of the rumors swirling in the ether, suggesting a departure from CBS? Fear not, for Colbert remains an indomitable force in late-night television. The tapestry of his career is woven with the golden thread of continuity, extending his tenure on ‘The Late Show’ until the tapestry of time unfurls in 2026. An announcement at the Banff TV Festival by CBS CEO George Cheeks lifted the veil, confirming the extension of Colbert’s contract, eliciting prayers of gratitude from fans and aficionados.
His past contract, akin to a withering leaf, found its culmination in 2023. A panel discussion under the auspices of Deadline, moderated by Cheeks, resonated with anticipation and relief. “We just extended him for three more years and I was praying for that to happen,” Cheeks announced with a demeanor akin to a sage unveiling arcane secrets.
Colbert’s journey through late-night television, akin to a ship navigating tempestuous seas, faced its fair share of challenges. The shadow of his predecessor, David Letterman, loomed large, and initially, ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ on NBC cast its formidable shadow. Yet, amidst the political maelstrom of 2016 and the ascension of Donald Trump, Colbert found his footing, securing his place among late-night titans.
The saga of Colbert’s marital bliss unfurls with equal intrigue. A stalwart figure beside him is Evelyn McGee-Colbert, a beacon of unwavering support. Their union, forged in the ethereal ambiance of a theater lobby, transcends the realms of ordinary love. Together, they have raised a brood of three, their shared endeavors extending beyond familial bonds. Evelyn’s presence in Stephen’s life, akin to the North Star guiding mariners, illuminated the path even amidst the pandemic’s darkest hours.
In the theater of late-night television, where transient stars flicker and fade, Stephen Colbert remains an enduring constellation. His journey, marked by resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As we traverse the winding roads of Colbert’s narrative, we find ourselves immersed in a tale of triumph over trials, humor over heartaches, and brilliance over banality.