Colbert brings humor and reassurance during post-election tension

A compassionate start on late night TV

Stephen Colbert opened Wednesday’s “Late Show” with a tone markedly different from his usual comedic style. After Donald Trump’s unexpected victory in the 2024 election, Colbert offered his viewers a rare voice of compassion. He immediately acknowledged the collective unease permeating his audience.

“Hey there. How you doing? If you watch this show regularly, I’m guessing you’re not doing great,” Colbert started. “Yeah, me neither. Today, some people said to me, ‘Sorry you have to do a show tonight,’ which is nice of them but I don’t have to do a show. I get to do a show tonight.”

Colbert took a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude towards his crew, the live audience at the Ed Sullivan Theater, and the viewers at home. “Because, especially at times like this, what do we most want to be? Not alone. So thanks for being here.”

Balancing humor and empathy

“We’re gonna do a comedy show,” Colbert promised. “We’re gonna do some jokes in just a minute because that’s what we do. And I’ll let you in on a little secret—no one gets into this business because everything in their life worked out great. So we’re built for rough roads.”

After laying a comforting foundation, Colbert shifted gears, diving back into what he does best—satirical commentary. He didn’t hold back as he addressed Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.

A biting monologue

“Well, f—. It happened. Again,” Colbert remarked, allowing a moment of shared disbelief to sink in. “After a bizarre and vicious campaign fueled by a desperate need not to go to jail, Donald Trump has won the 2024 election. The deep shock and sense of loss is enormous, ok. But let’s look at the bright side. This way, at least there’ll be a peaceful transfer of power. Mike Pence, olly-olly-oxen-free! All day yesterday I was walking around proudly wearing my ‘I Voted’ sticker. Today, I wore my ‘I am questioning my fundamental belief in the good of humanity’ sticker.”

Colbert didn’t spare any punches, further illustrating the surreal state of affairs. “Now, as a late night host, people often say to me, ‘Come on, part of you has got to want Trump to win because he gives you so much material to work with.’ No. No. No one tells the guy who cleans the bathroom ‘Wow, you must love it when someone has explosive diarrhea. There’s so much material for you to work with!'”

Reflecting on the broader impact

This monologue wasn’t just a collection of witty remarks; it was a moment for Colbert to reflect on the broader societal implications. The election results brought to the surface deep-seated fears and uncertainties, and Colbert’s raw, unfiltered comments connected with an audience grappling with similar emotions.

Late-night TV isn’t merely an escape; it’s a communal space where viewers come together to find solace and share in a collective experience. Stephen Colbert masterfully balances humor with heartfelt commentary, creating a show that is as therapeutic as it is entertaining.

For those who rely on late-night shows to navigate the tumultuous landscape of current events, Colbert’s approach is both a reminder and a relief: Humor can be a powerful tool for processing reality, no matter how grim.

Relive this impactful moment by watching Colbert’s full monologue and join us on social media to discuss its implications further. Stay tuned for more insightful analyses on the world of entertainment and beyond.