Colbert brings honest politics with a modern production to post-Letterman era of show David Letterman left a legacy behind at “The Late Show” that would be insurmountable for any successor, including Stephen Colbert.
Thus far, a majority of critics have had kind words for the newbie to the late-night powerhouse.
• “He was just as funny and quick-witted and inventive as he’s ever been off-camera, and seemed genuinely excited about hosting the show in front of an audience,” according to Entertainment Weekly.
• “It was good, it was very, very good,” said the Los Angeles Times.
After watching Colbert’s premiere for myself, I was entertained, even after an awkward segment when he had a verbal dispute with a possessed object that eventually led to a product placement for hummus dip.
The bit went on for at least five minutes, which could have been a distraction, but it was hilarious.
Although the sketches showed striking resemblances to Colbert’s previous show, The Colbert Report, it was refreshing in terms of the late night landscape.
In fact, Colbert’s constant engagement in the political arena is what really makes the show. Viewers are now able to see Colbert’s real views, outside of the character from his old show.
It’s a change of direction, instead of the usual jokes about pop culture.
The direction Colbert and company are taking the show in is the right direction for now.
It lends a smooth transition for Colbert coming from the inferior Comedy Central, straight into the late night battle royale, with others such as Jimmy Kimmel and the upward trending Jimmy Fallon.
This also makes it easier for Colbert’s fan base that didn’t want to see their host turn into the usual talk show host.
Some critics however, aren’t as sympathetic towards the new host.
“Eager to please, Colbert did a few comic bits at the outset (two product placement pieces fell flat) and got plenty of mileage out of Donald Trump,” said by Sioux City Journal, followed with: “Colbert seemed like a dad trying to be hip with his kids’ friends.”
Of course Colbert is eager to please, he’s replacing the trailblazing Letterman.
Plus he’s not trying to seem hip to a youthful audience, he’s trying to appeal to the Letterman faithful that are still getting over his departure.