Colbert’s Return: A Glimpse of What Late-Night TV Could Be Without the Anchor of Anger

Stephen Colbert’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! this week marked his first late-night television outing since CBS cancelled his show earlier this year. The former host walked out to a standing ovation, and the evening that followed was as much about the man himself as it was about the comedy he brought with him.

Colbert’s tone was noticeably different from his previous shows. Gone were the razor-sharp commentary on the day’s headlines, replaced by a more relaxed, playful approach that seemed almost joyful. Kimmel noted that Colbert looked happier and healthier away from the daily news cycle, and it showed in every joke, every gesture.

Colbert’s decision to leave The Late Show was not just about taking a break from hosting a late-night show; he’s also pursuing other projects, including a film with his son, Peter McGee. This shift is significant because it marks a rebellion against the trend that has dominated late-night TV in recent years: prioritizing anger and outrage over comedy.

For years, hosts like Jon Stewart and John Oliver have built their careers on skewering those in power. While Colbert was never afraid to take aim at the powerful, his show also stood out for its commitment to humor. However, as the decade wore on, it became clear that comedy had become secondary to making viewers think – or rather, think about thinking.

Colbert’s decision to leave The Late Show and pursue other projects is a small but significant departure from this trend. He’s not just walking away from the news; he’s also leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for its sharp commentary and commitment to joy.

As Colbert settles into his new role as a guest on Kimmel’s show, we’re seeing a glimpse of what late-night TV could be without the anchor of anger. This is a more playful, relaxed space where comedy is king and politics are merely a sideshow.

The late-night TV landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Gone are the days of Letterman and Leno; instead, hosts like Kimmel have emerged who prioritize making waves rather than making people laugh. Colbert’s show was always an outlier in this regard, focusing more on comedy than its competitors. However, it’s clear that he’s not alone in his desire to shift the focus.

Kimmel’s monologue this week was telling because of what it left out: extended political zingers or deep dives into the day’s headlines. Instead, the conversation turned to personal topics like Colbert’s beard and a film project with his son. This change of pace hinted at a new era in late-night TV – an era where comedy is king and politics are just another form of entertainment.

The shift away from anger and towards joy is not without its challenges. Some might see this as a cop-out, a refusal to engage with the world’s complexities. However, I believe it’s something more profound: a recognition that comedy can be both sharp-tongued and joyful; that laughter can be both a balm for the soul and a call to action.

Colbert’s return is not just about him; it’s also about what late-night TV could be without the anchor of anger. This is a space where people come together to laugh, think, and find common ground in all its messy complexity.

As Colbert looks out over the late-night TV landscape, it’s clear that there’s a changing of the guard underway. Hosts are retiring, new talent is emerging – and with them, a new set of priorities. This shift towards a more playful, relaxed space is not just about returning to form; it’s also about recognizing that comedy can be both sharp-tongued and joyful.

Late-night TV has always been a reflection of the times we live in. But as Colbert shows us, it doesn’t have to be defined by anger and outrage. It can be joyful, playful – and above all, funny.