This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Sept. 9, 2015.
Can a Comedy Central guy hack it on CBS?
After watching only one episode, I’d have to say … no.
CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” premiered Tuesday night, and Colbert brought his brand of satirical humor to late-night TV.
I get the feeling people will either love or hate this new talk show, based on how they feel about Colbert and his previous show, “The Colbert Report.”
Colbert has an ego; there’s no doubt about it. Unlike James Corden, his CBS late-night counterpart, he’s not humble or gracious about his new gig.
He almost seemed to be poking fun at his job, even making a joke about how he had nine months to make one hour of TV.
The episode felt like a news show, which is not what the show was when David Letterman hosted. That might have had something to do with his first-night guests, actor and activist George Clooney and presidential candidate Jeb Bush.
With both interviews, @StephenAtHome seems to be talking as much as or more than his guests. It doesn’t make for great interviews. #LateShow
— Clara B. (@ClaraAB2) September 9, 2015
Late-night talk shows are supposed to be entertaining, but all the political talk may be too polarizing for viewers.
Did @colbertlateshow really just say you could use a .gov version of its website for passport renewal? #saywhat #LateShow
— Clara B. (@ClaraAB2) September 9, 2015
I’m not sure Colbert has broad appeal, and I definitely think there were better options to replace Letterman.
But Colbert did have some funny moments.
“With this show, I begin the search for the real Stephen Colbert. I just hope I don’t find him on Ashley Madison.” ??? #LateShow
— E! Online (@eonline) September 9, 2015
#DonaldTrump is “oompa loompa American,” @StephenAtHome on his @colbertlateshow debut. #LateShow
— Clara B. (@ClaraAB2) September 9, 2015
OK, I’ll give @StephenAtHome credit for poking fun at #GeorgeClooney for being arm candy now that he’s married. #LateShow
— Clara B. (@ClaraAB2) September 9, 2015
There was a bit about Trump and Oreos which was funny for a bit, but like some of his other jokes, it ran too long.
At least Colbert admitted early in the show that you can’t replace Letterman. Because Colbert can’t.
Not right now, anyway. It’s an adjustment, and viewers will have to wait and see how Colbert molds into his new gig.
But I probably won’t be watching.
What do you think of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”?
