Colbert Off the 'Ert'

One week ago, Stephen Colbert hosted his final "Late Show." New York Times TV critic James Poniewozik discusses free speech and the landscape of late night television.  Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images: People hold signs supporting Stephen Colbert outside the Ed Sullivan Theater ahead of the taping of the final episode of the "The Late Show" after 32 years on air, in New York, on May 21, 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.