Trivia Cafe
32

Which late-night talk show, hosted by a former host of "The Colbert Report," is taped at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City and often features political commentary and in-depth interviews?

Learn More

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert - television illustration
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert — television

The late-night talk show you're thinking of is "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (Review)." After gaining widespread recognition for his satirical persona on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report," Stephen Colbert transitioned to a more traditional, yet still politically incisive, late-night format when he took over the esteemed "Late Show" mantle from David Letterman in 2015. This move to CBS marked a significant step up to broadcast network television, offering a larger platform for his unique brand of humor and commentary.

The show is famously taped at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, a venue with a rich entertainment legacy. Before becoming the home of "The Late Show," this theater was most notably the site of "The Ed Sullivan Show" from 1953 to 1971, which hosted iconic performances, including The Beatles' first American television appearance. The theater itself opened in 1927 as Hammerstein's Theater and has seen various transformations before CBS acquired it for television broadcasts.

Colbert's iteration of "The Late Show" distinguishes itself through its sharp political commentary, a carryover from his "Colbert Report" days, and a commitment to in-depth interviews with a diverse range of guests. While he shed his satirical pundit character for this role, Colbert continues to engage with current events and political figures, often delivering extended monologues that dissect the day's headlines with wit and insight. This combination of insightful discussion and engaging humor has solidified its place as a prominent voice in the late-night landscape.