Colbert’s Left-Wing ‘Late Show’ Became ‘Therapy’ Session for Liberals: Study

In recent years, Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” has sparked debates regarding its political leanings, particularly its portrayal of liberal and conservative ideologies. A study conducted by the media watchdog NewsBusters has highlighted a striking partisan imbalance in guest appearances on the show, suggesting that it has morphed into a therapeutic platform for left-leaning viewers. This article explores the findings of the study and their implications for late-night television.

Partisan Guest Appearances on The Late Show

According to the NewsBusters study, “The Late Show” has hosted a staggering 176 left-leaning guests since 2022, while featuring only one Republican guest. This overwhelming representation of liberal viewpoints raises questions about Colbert’s commitment to presenting a balanced spectrum of political ideologies. In the first half of 2025 alone, Colbert welcomed 43 guests who identified with left-leaning politics, while the only conservative voice was former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming).

This pattern is concerning for fans of the show who appreciate diverse opinions. Notably, many high-profile Democratic politicians and liberal celebrities make regular appearances, while conservative viewpoints seem to be largely absent from the program. This ongoing trend indicates that “The Late Show” now serves more as a forum for liberal sentiments, offering a sense of solace and validation to its audience rather than challenging them with varied perspectives.

Lack of Conservative Representation in Late-Night Television

The study’s findings extend beyond “The Late Show,” revealing a broader crisis of representation within late-night television. A review of five major late-night shows over the past few years uncovered that only 14 conservative guests were featured in total. This alarming rate of underrepresentation not only hints at a significant bias in formulating guest rosters but also illustrates the challenges of fostering inclusive political discourse in media.

The scarcity of conservative thoughts in late-night settings raises important questions regarding viewership. Critics argue that such an environment may widen the divide between political factions, as audiences are not exposed to contrasting ideas or discussions. Furthermore, Colbert’s often critical approach towards Republican figures could lead to alienation of a segment of viewers who identify with conservative values.

The Future of Late-Night Programming and its Impact on Viewership

As it stands, Colbert’s approach to guest selection and political commentary has increasingly been scrutinized, with implications for the overall sustainability of “The Late Show.” According to reports, the financial health of the program has faced a downward trend due to its perceived bias, culminating in CBS announcing plans to cancel “The Late Show” in May 2026. Critics suggest that the one-sided booking may contribute to declining viewership as potential spectators seek variety and balance in entertainment outlets.

The evolving situation within late-night television provokes thought about the fundamental role these shows should play in our media landscape. Is it the responsibility of such programs to tackle substantial political discussions while ensuring a spectrum of opinions? Or should they lean towards reinforcing the ideologies of their established audience? This fundamental question could redefine how late-night shows position themselves and engage with diverse viewer demographics in the future.

In conclusion, as audience expectations shift, late-night television must reconsider its strategies to foster inclusivity. To enrich viewer experiences and broaden appeal, a more balanced approach in guest selection could serve not only the show but also the greater public discourse. For those interested in exploring diverse perspectives in media, it may be worthwhile to engage with various late-night programs and advocate for a healthy multiplicity of viewpoints.