Late Show with Stephen Colbert

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 8, 2015
Season #: 10, 9, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 93 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 93
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 93
  3. Negative: 32 out of 93

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User Reviews

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  1. SchroederRock
    Sep 11, 2015
    8
    After the first few episodes, it's clear that Colbert can capture the late night crown with some time and experience outside of his traditional political wheelhouse. Colbert's charm largely remains, and his opening bit about Trump and Oreos was one of the best pieces of late night TV I've seen in a while. This guy belongs in the spotlight, as he's refreshingly honest and fair. TheAfter the first few episodes, it's clear that Colbert can capture the late night crown with some time and experience outside of his traditional political wheelhouse. Colbert's charm largely remains, and his opening bit about Trump and Oreos was one of the best pieces of late night TV I've seen in a while. This guy belongs in the spotlight, as he's refreshingly honest and fair. The biggest problem is adapting Colbert's style to match that of Kimmel, Fallon and Conan, who all three are doing great work with original pieces - Fallon catering to younger viewers perhaps the best. In time, I expect Colbert to make The Late Show impossible to miss, but with so much more on his plate along with his writing staff's plate, there's going to be a miss here and there. But man, do I love Stephen Colbert.… Expand
  2. mattya5419
    Oct 25, 2016
    0
    This guy is not funny at all!! I hope his ratings go down and he's kicked off the air. The show is terrible and can't compare to Conan, Jimmy Kimmel or Jimmy Fallon. Never mind Carson (the Best), Letterman or even Jay Leno. This guy has go to go!!!!
  3. Alby
    Sep 11, 2015
    10
    Last night's show confirmed to me that this is going to be an excellent addition to my daily routine. I wasn't sure what to expect from the show, even as a die-hard Colbert fan. But now it seems we're going to get a full palette of emotion and a genuine Colbert that will take us through the week. I'm extremely excited to see what Mr. Colbert (and his fantastic team ) has in store for us.Last night's show confirmed to me that this is going to be an excellent addition to my daily routine. I wasn't sure what to expect from the show, even as a die-hard Colbert fan. But now it seems we're going to get a full palette of emotion and a genuine Colbert that will take us through the week. I'm extremely excited to see what Mr. Colbert (and his fantastic team ) has in store for us. If the show loses some steam, I'll revisit this review. But for now, I couldn't be more excited!… Expand
  4. Prosmooth
    Sep 10, 2015
    10
    Is his show a 10 yet? Of course not, but I'm giving it one anyway to offset these ridiculous zero reviews popping up here purely because of politics. It's a good show so far with a great host.
  5. VikingPrince
    Sep 9, 2015
    8
    First off let me start by saying that you should ignore these first two reviews which were clearly written by a couple of clowns. It's clear from their reviews that AxeT is some rightwing fool that no doubt dislikes Colbert for political reasons and Bgrod gives disproportionately negative reviews for just about everything. A 2 and 3 are you kidding me?
    Funny throughout with entertaining    First off let me start by saying that you should ignore these first two reviews which were clearly written by a couple of clowns. It's clear from their reviews that AxeT is some rightwing fool that no doubt dislikes Colbert for political reasons and Bgrod gives disproportionately negative reviews for just about everything. A 2 and 3 are you kidding me?
    Funny throughout with entertaining interviews, it was overall a decent debut for Colbert. Time will tell if he can fill Letterman's shoes.    … Expand
  6. Bgrod
    Sep 9, 2015
    3
    I saw nothing original or fresh that Fallon and Kimmel or even Letterman haven't already tried and more successfully. It was a struggle to crack a smile for the majority of the debut show. The largess of the production, staging and the frenetic, over-caffeinated host might want to remind himself this is late night television that is often consumed in bed. Perhaps monologues are not aI saw nothing original or fresh that Fallon and Kimmel or even Letterman haven't already tried and more successfully. It was a struggle to crack a smile for the majority of the debut show. The largess of the production, staging and the frenetic, over-caffeinated host might want to remind himself this is late night television that is often consumed in bed. Perhaps monologues are not a particular strength of Mr. Colbert so maybe that device should be ditched altogether. The Clooney interview was amazingly dull as was the ensuing painfully unfunny sketch involving Clooney. I would have enjoyed more banter and sarcasm with Jeb Bush. I''ll tune in a few more times since it is unfair to judge anything just based on one episode but this loyal Colbert Report viewer was not at all impressed at this over hyped premiere. The talk show host as shameless advertising shill is commonplace in late night with Kimmel and his sidekick, Guillermo typically eliciting the most laughs. Colbert's attempt was "meh"… Expand
  7. donnelbr
    Sep 23, 2015
    8
    I'm a huge Colbert fan, so this should be considered when reading this review. I would add that this is a review of only the first episode. I found the writing to be uninspired. Perhaps Colbert should recruit some of the writers from Comedy Central to join his team (perhaps he has?). I will keep watching, as I'm certain his huge talent will make this show great, but I was a littleI'm a huge Colbert fan, so this should be considered when reading this review. I would add that this is a review of only the first episode. I found the writing to be uninspired. Perhaps Colbert should recruit some of the writers from Comedy Central to join his team (perhaps he has?). I will keep watching, as I'm certain his huge talent will make this show great, but I was a little disappointed with the first episode.

    *** Follow-up - raising my review from a 6 to an 8. This is the best late night show on television, and I'm not a fan of the format. I laugh out loud each episode. This show makes the grade, and will be around as long as Stephen wants to do it. ***    … Expand
  8. mrw612
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    An excellent vehicle for Colbert. I enjoy seeing the show evolve over the last couple weeks. Comedy bits are great and his serious interview skills are the best in late night. Keep up the good work!
  9. mirj626
    Sep 15, 2015
    9
    Not as good as the Colbert Report, but far better than the other talk show hosts out there. Most are unwilling, incapable of, or simply not ballsy enough to ask the difficult questions. But Stephen is. There were few hard hitting questions for the Uber CEO and Jeb Bush in the first week, even though watered down in comparison to the Colbert Report. They were still far better then whatNot as good as the Colbert Report, but far better than the other talk show hosts out there. Most are unwilling, incapable of, or simply not ballsy enough to ask the difficult questions. But Stephen is. There were few hard hitting questions for the Uber CEO and Jeb Bush in the first week, even though watered down in comparison to the Colbert Report. They were still far better then what Fallon could do with Trump opposite him.… Expand
  10. BShaps
    Sep 10, 2015
    8
    This review is after the first two episodes of this show. Overall the show is very entertaining, but some of the sketches miss a little bit. Colbert is a terrific interviewer and was very fair with Jeb Bush even though his personal politics differ from Jeb's. It seems like he goes for one fun guest and one guest that is a bit more serious.

    People are claiming he is being partisan    This review is after the first two episodes of this show. Overall the show is very entertaining, but some of the sketches miss a little bit. Colbert is a terrific interviewer and was very fair with Jeb Bush even though his personal politics differ from Jeb's. It seems like he goes for one fun guest and one guest that is a bit more serious.

    People are claiming he is being partisan because he did some Trump jokes, but that couldn't be further from the truth. He has cracked jokes about Hillary and he applauded Jeb.    … Expand
  11. Tomahawk_Jacque
    Sep 10, 2015
    7
    Love Colbert! That being said the show will just have to find itself from here on out. You can't hit a home run out of the park with a segment like "The W0rd" every time. There's room for improvement but it is also the only Late Night show I am watching now. I personally did not find him to be too hyper in the first show and found the "Hun Hat" and the "Big Questions" segments to be okay.
  12. TVwatcher2015
    Sep 13, 2015
    6
    It is a real shame that CBS is trying to make Colbert fit into a format that is obviously not reflective of his style. Hopefully the network will allow him the latitude to develop the show in a direction which is better suited to his comic style and obvious intellect. In the premiere episode the mini skit with the network executive sitting at a desk with a giant switch to kill the show isIt is a real shame that CBS is trying to make Colbert fit into a format that is obviously not reflective of his style. Hopefully the network will allow him the latitude to develop the show in a direction which is better suited to his comic style and obvious intellect. In the premiere episode the mini skit with the network executive sitting at a desk with a giant switch to kill the show is probably very reflective of the reality behind the shows programming.

    Hey CBS - let Colbert develop his own format.    … Expand
  13. mtc1954
    Feb 17, 2017
    0
    COLBERT is a leftist hate spewing worm-like creature prone to mouth foaming episodes when reality impinges on his programming updates from his shepherds. COLBERT is a diseased little pustule.
  14. Impman
    Jan 19, 2016
    0
    He had his moments on Comedy Central, but this show is just terrible. It just not funny at all. Add in his politics to it and its just bad. If i wanted to hear about politics I watch the news not late night.
  15. spencertjprice
    Sep 10, 2015
    10
    Every late night show stumbles out of the gate, but the running gags are spot on, and the bait and switch Stephen did to Jeb Bush about his brother was outstanding.
  16. moviebuffers
    Sep 9, 2015
    2
    I was hoping and praying for some insightful humor and commentary - I did not see any. Really wanted a m ore cerebral alternative to Fallon and Kimmel who are way too sophomoric, not getting the sense this is going to work on any level. I grew up with Carson and was a fan of Leno, no heir apparent in any of the current offerings in my opinion. I will give it a few more tries however.
  17. AxeT
    Sep 9, 2015
    2
    How is bouncing around like a jackass, making goofy faces, and delivering utterly pedestrian trying way too hard humor remotely worthy of this show much less at all funny? The new opening credits sequence is great though and by far the most inspired stroke.
  18. yogabalaji
    Sep 16, 2015
    10
    It's a mixture of art and psychology to entertain, laugh, think and make sense at the same time. Stephen Colbert and the writers do this so well in their shows making people enjoy realistic & real world comedy - not by performing just hypothetical, anecdotal and idiosyncratic content like in usual comedy routines. I see some Fox users have written reviews too. I'm surprised they are awakeIt's a mixture of art and psychology to entertain, laugh, think and make sense at the same time. Stephen Colbert and the writers do this so well in their shows making people enjoy realistic & real world comedy - not by performing just hypothetical, anecdotal and idiosyncratic content like in usual comedy routines. I see some Fox users have written reviews too. I'm surprised they are awake for Late Show.… Expand
  19. usaaveragejoe
    Sep 12, 2015
    1
    Let me begin by saying that I used to watch Leno religiously. In fact, I was even a big fan of Letterman in the beginning. But then Letterman's jokes started falling flat. And I became a Leno viewer exclusively. After Leno, Fallon and Kimmel just didn't work for me and I was down to watching Two and a Half Men re-runs.
    Like many, I was hyped for Colbert to start and bring back the lost    Let me begin by saying that I used to watch Leno religiously. In fact, I was even a big fan of Letterman in the beginning. But then Letterman's jokes started falling flat. And I became a Leno viewer exclusively. After Leno, Fallon and Kimmel just didn't work for me and I was down to watching Two and a Half Men re-runs.
    Like many, I was hyped for Colbert to start and bring back the lost charm. After the first week of Colbert, I am left utterly disappointed. Show starts and acts seem Conan spin-offs. Arrangement of comedy segments appear stale Fallon seconds. Jokes aren't funny and, at times, simply absurd. Monologues and interviews appear "mono-topic." Colbert is unable to bridge topic variety with guests. He appears over-caffeinated and talks over and more than the guests mostly. At times he interrupts the guests so much so that you can't make sense of it! Scarlett literally had to ask him to "..stop it." Product placements, amulets, mentalist references, upstairs balcony, and the hat segments are plain bad and have got to go!! This show is reminding me sadly of the Chevy Chase show.
    For now, Stephen is riding the success of his Colbert Report. Hope he lands on his feet once the honeymoon is over. As for me, I am back to watching Two and a half men starting Monday.
    @usa_average    … Expand
  20. martinex
    Mar 2, 2017
    7
    I know why Mr. Colbert agreed to do this show (Money, pure and simple) but from the standpoint of cultural influence it's hard to top the excellent Colbert Report. Unfortunately Stephen Colbert the person pales in comparison to the brilliant Stephen Colbert character he played on Comedy Central. In his transition he gives up perfection for something that's just pretty good.
  21. krammerlock
    Oct 10, 2015
    9
    Simply the funniest, most energetic and best late night TV ever. The only thing I don't like are the musical guests and the formulaic opening. The monologue is superb and so is his handling of guests.
  22. Ed_
    Sep 12, 2015
    5
    He was clearly better on Comedy Central. He was funny, energetic and the writers were better.

    In the Late Show: -He is not that original, he left it at Comedy Central, he was a figure there thanks to his sarcastic, conservative, narcissist which worked well. I loved it, actually. Here, he's like lost himself. -He is goofy, not in a funny way. -Jokes are flat. -Talking too much, but    He was clearly better on Comedy Central. He was funny, energetic and the writers were better.

    In the Late Show:
    -He is not that original, he left it at Comedy Central, he was a figure there thanks to his sarcastic, conservative, narcissist which worked well. I loved it, actually. Here, he's like lost himself.
    -He is goofy, not in a funny way.
    -Jokes are flat.
    -Talking too much, but not humorous.
    -Music is okay, not my taste though.

    It's unfortunate. :/
    -    … Expand
  23. bugchow
    Sep 23, 2015
    4
    Colbert.........settle down. Watch some Carson. You don't have to be on crack to do a good show. Showcase the guests and a little less of yourself. The show currently is a disaster. Pull it together Chevy.
  24. antpaca
    Sep 30, 2015
    7
    The best bits are the ones that most closely resemble the Colbert Report. The monologue is clumsy and his enthusiasm doesn't match the quality of the opening material (i.e he appears very amped to tell very stale jokes) . He was never the best interviewer, but he's done a good enough job at them so far. Basically it's a broader-appeal Colbert Report with some unnecessary bits thrown in.
  25. Ripandread
    Oct 27, 2015
    5
    Guess I am in the minority because I actually liked David Letterman. Granted he slowed down but so would a lot of people after 32 years.

    Colbert on the other hand doesn’t entertain or inform me like Letterman did; although his interview with Vice President Joe Biden was excellent.

    Has anyone else noticed that Colbert’s set looks like a copy of Jimmy Fallon’s from The Tonight Show?
  26. dcat57
    Nov 2, 2015
    8
    Why is Stephen Colbert being held to the old and (sorry but it's getting boring), format of typical interviews, etc Let him really just HAVE the show!! We miss the Colbert Show, let the show have it's own life! Stephen Colbert is better than having to act like all the other hosts.
  27. Jimmymac36
    Nov 28, 2015
    4
    Disappointed to say I'm disappointed. He's brilliant and funny, but there is too much product placement and too many sycophantic interviews. I can't watch it anymore.
  28. realdece223
    Dec 16, 2015
    10
    This is smart comedy, interesting comedy. Fallon is a bit mindless, simple gags over and over again. Colbert is lightning quick in interviews and pretty relatable.
  29. bearh
    Jan 22, 2016
    1
    Loved Colbert on CC. He was always an uncomfortable interview when guesting and that comes through on the show. There are no core elements to fall back on, the band adds nothing at all and, regardless of any political viewpoints, most of the guest are boring and unfunny. A real disappointment.
  30. croloan
    Apr 24, 2017
    0
    Carson is rolling in his grave worst untalented show host, No vision his material is repetitive. Too political the news is bad enough comedians should make us laugh.
  31. Thejaw221
    Mar 7, 2019
    0
    It’s interesting that somebody like him will call everybody who disagrees with him a bigot and a racist. He is the biggest bigots and racists I’ve ever seen on tv . Anybody who disagrees with this monkey is attacked.
  32. brc2000
    Jan 13, 2019
    9
    After a sort of shaky start, the show really found its footing during the 2016 presidential election primaries. Since then the show has mostly focused on politics, and while I do sometimes wish they'd cover more international political stories as well, the monologues are usually spot on, and I can watch Colbert mock political figures all day.

    The show is clearly promoting Stephen's    After a sort of shaky start, the show really found its footing during the 2016 presidential election primaries. Since then the show has mostly focused on politics, and while I do sometimes wish they'd cover more international political stories as well, the monologues are usually spot on, and I can watch Colbert mock political figures all day.

    The show is clearly promoting Stephen's point of view, and it's way more direct than his irony-laden character on Comedy Central, so that may turn off some viewers who don't agree with him, but I find I usually do.

    Guest interviews can be hit-or-miss, but they're usually great when it's a political guest or someone who can match Stephen's love of nerdy things.    … Expand
  33. AtariBaby
    Sep 25, 2015
    9
    I am giving this just short of 10, because the show is so new. I think that they have a few things to work out, a few bits to try, that sort of thing. The Colbert Report had a long period where it kind of lulled, and this is hardly a lul. I think the show deserves kudos for its guests. Example: First he brings out Donald Trump and asks him about the Iran deal, without mocking his populistI am giving this just short of 10, because the show is so new. I think that they have a few things to work out, a few bits to try, that sort of thing. The Colbert Report had a long period where it kind of lulled, and this is hardly a lul. I think the show deserves kudos for its guests. Example: First he brings out Donald Trump and asks him about the Iran deal, without mocking his populist rant. But then he brings out the actual author of the deal, to dispel the myths. IMO that might be the most insightful piece since Johnny Carson brought out James Randi many years ago. I'm a fan of the show!… Expand
  34. EPMD
    Jul 9, 2016
    4
    The laughs are in short supply. Too many jokes hit on niche subjects, and the format comes across as tired and unimaginative. There is room for Colbert to do something different than the Jimmy's, but so far he is doing the same thing they are in a less appealing way.
  35. LAJones
    Dec 16, 2017
    7
    I loved the Colbert Report and was so excited to learn that he would still be on the air with the Late Show. Admittedly, I found The Report much funnier, as I am sure they had more leeway in terms of material. The Late Show reaches a wider audience, so perhaps they felt they had to water it down to keep it appropriate. It is great to be able to listen to Stephen on a regular basis, as heI loved the Colbert Report and was so excited to learn that he would still be on the air with the Late Show. Admittedly, I found The Report much funnier, as I am sure they had more leeway in terms of material. The Late Show reaches a wider audience, so perhaps they felt they had to water it down to keep it appropriate. It is great to be able to listen to Stephen on a regular basis, as he still gets in some stingers here and there. My only direct complaint is they really need to turn down John's microphone as his ad lib "OHHHHHs" and other comments are too frequent, too loud, and often interrupt the timing of Stephen's monologue. I like John, he is talented, but seriously, why haven't the execs noticed this? It is highly annoying.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Best TV Season of 2015
40
#40 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
99
#99 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. The Salt Lake Tribune
    Reviewed by: Scott D. Pierce
    Sep 25, 2015
    80
    This new version of The Late Show is a program I could fall in love with. There was a lot to love on Tuesday night.... Colbert's monologue was good, the energy was great. George Clooney's appearance was fine. The closing musical number, featuring musical director Jon Batiste and his band, Stay Human, along with Brittany Howard, Buddy Guy, Ben Folds, Derek Trucks and Colbert himself--was wonderful.
    Read full review
  2. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: David Sims
    Sep 25, 2015
    70
    He delivered the entire package with a feeling of genuine delight, which was enough to carry the audience through all the first-show jitters--an achievement none of Colbert’s competitors could claim.
    Read full review
  3. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Sep 16, 2015
    75
    Stephen Colbert’s better half generally has been the second halves of his still formative show.
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