Stephen Colbert Reflects on The Late Show's End as CBS Cites Financial Reasons
By
Tom Chang
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
Stephen Colbert reflects on the end of his tenure as host of The Late Show, which concludes on May 21st after nearly 11 years. CBS states the cancellation was purely financial, but Colbert views the departure as an opportunity to focus on other creative projects. The article notes that lasting this long in late-night television is a victory in itself, and contrasts CBS's decision with competitors ABC and NBC who have retained their hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledLeaving a show, or getting fired in Stephen Colbert's case, after almost 11 years, is a victory of sorts, considering most never achieve that kind of shelf life.
The Late Show host, who succeeded David Letterman in 2015, is ending his show on May 21st, with CBS stressing that the decision was purely financial.
Colbert says the time may have been right to leave to focus creatively on other projects.
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