Throughout high school, I spent my weekday mornings watching “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report” before having to catch the bus for school. As the complexity of classes increased, so did the need for a working knowledge for the world around me. But traditional news shows were too biased or analysis on economic policy was followed by the latest fashion trends. So, like many teens, I felt the best way to catch up on current events was to watch satirized segments to truly understand what was going on.
Young Americans relied on “The Colbert Report” and “The Daily Show” for their news. Some have even gone as far to say the rise of Donald Trump would have faltered, at least to some degree, if it weren’t for the absence of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Although Stewart now reserves his time for animal sanctuaries in New Jersey, Colbert now hosts “The Late Show” on CBS. Sadly, both have seemed to move on from educating viewers on current events. As successor to David Letterman, Colbert abandoned his past show persona to capture a wider audience on CBS. The problem is, out of character, Colbert seems out of place, and ratings reflect his newly founded struggles. Jimmy Fallon’s “The Tonight Show” holds a healthy lead over Colbert’s show in viewers and ratings. In fact, as Colbert was overlooked for an Emmy nomination, but James Corden’s “The Late Late Show” received one, there were rumors the two shows might switch time slots. Yes, James Corden, the British guy who’s popular for singing karaoke in a van.
Last week, Colbert finally went back into his original character for the first time. Last week was also one of the most popular weeks for his show since its debut last fall. Colbert was playing to his strengths by satirically covering the Republican National Convention, along with help from two Jon Stewart appearances in the process. As much as Colbert may want to get away from satire and politics, it’s what he does best.
Colbert does not have the type of talent to talk Hollywood like Jimmy Kimmel, lip-sync battle like Jimmy Fallon or sing in a van like James Corden. Thank goodness. While Colbert may not be able to rely on pure entertainment like other talk show hosts can, the others can’t discuss the more serious topics like Colbert. Consider his interview with Vice President Joe Biden last September. During rumors circling about Biden’s chances for running in 2016 and the recent passing of his son, Beau Biden, the vice president gave a heartfelt interview with the only person suited for the task. Americans still look to Colbert for his opinions and insights on latest events this country undergoes. Instead of diversifying to a CBS crowd by copying what other hosts provide, Colbert can now mix serious and heartfelt moments with political comedy.
Stephen Colbert abandoned his past success to fill the shoes of David Letterman. However, Colbert shouldn’t forget the reason he has become a leading figure in entertainment in the first place. It’s not because he could play a fictitious character, nor was it his ability, or lack thereof, to keep up with Hollywood gossip. Colbert has the unique gift to entertain and educate at the same time, and there’s never been a more vital time for the two to coincide. He may never become America’s most popular show host, but educating millions of Americans on the interworking of this country’s political system will always trump entertaining millions with karaoke.
Joshua Udvardy is a UF mechanical engineering sophomore. His column appears on Thursdays.
