Stephen Colbert Faces Backlash as Variety Criticizes Celebrity-Filled Farewell Episodes in Los Angeles

Stephen Colbert’s recent Late Show episodes have become the talk of Hollywood — but not all the attention is positive.

A pointed op-ed from Variety criticized the host for leaning heavily on celebrity appearances that some say border on self-indulgence.

The piece, penned by Daniel D’Addario, frames Colbert’s current episodes as more of an “ego trip” than a classy goodbye, pointing out that the constant parade of A-list performers may be turning viewers off rather than celebrating the late-night staple.

Celebrities Step Up With Over-the-Top Tributes

Several big names have appeared to honor Colbert, but their performances have drawn scrutiny for being excessively sentimental.

Actor John Lithgow recently recited a “special poem” asking why Colbert was being canceled, prompting questions about whether the tributes serve the host’s ego more than the audience.

Previously, singer Bette Midler delivered a playful song reminiscent of her classic “Wind Beneath My Wings,” with lyrics praising Colbert while throwing in a humorous jab about politics.

Midler’s performance paid homage to the farewell she once gave to Johnny Carson in 1992, connecting two eras of late-night history.

Drew Barrymore also joined the farewell festivities, recreating a famous striptease she performed for David Letterman while wearing a shirt emblazoned with “We [Heart] Stephen.”

Each appearance seemed to magnify the narrative that Colbert’s cancellation was tied to political pressure from President Donald Trump.

Late-Night Colleagues Join the Chorus

Colbert’s peers haven’t shied away from adding to the spectacle.

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Jimmy Fallon made his first appearance on the show in weeks, performing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” in a dramatic flourish that D’Addario described as “puffy” and overwrought.

Like the other celebrity tributes, Fallon suggested that Trump’s influence may have factored into Colbert’s cancellation.

The column argues that the relentless stream of praise is starting to feel excessive, writing that “the endless bouquets being tossed Colbert’s way have started to make the studio smell a bit cloying.”

Financial Tensions Behind the Scenes

The controversy over Colbert’s final season isn’t just about sentimentality.

In July, Colbert publicly criticized Paramount over a $16 million settlement with Trump tied to an October 2024 60 Minutes interview with then-candidate Kamala Harris.

Colbert called the payout “a big fat bribe,” which coincided with news that his show would be canceled.

Showrunners cited declining ad revenue — reportedly $40 million per year — as the reason behind the decision.

The cancellation aligns with the approval of a multibillion-dollar merger between Paramount and Skydance, further fueling Colbert’s criticism of the network.

Impact and Consequences

The backlash against Colbert’s farewell episodes highlights a growing tension in late-night television between celebrity spectacle and meaningful content.

Audiences may feel alienated by overly sentimental tributes, while the network faces scrutiny over the reasons for canceling a popular host, blending business considerations with political controversy.

What’s Next?

Stephen Colbert’s final episode is scheduled for May.

At 61, he has yet to announce his next move in television or media.

Meanwhile, discussions about the influence of politics and big business on late-night programming are likely to continue, keeping both fans and critics closely watching.

Summary

Stephen Colbert’s Late Show is drawing criticism for its series of extravagant celebrity tributes, which some argue border on self-indulgence.

Big names like John Lithgow, Bette Midler, Drew Barrymore, and Jimmy Fallon have all appeared, often linking Colbert’s cancellation to political pressures.

Financial and corporate tensions with Paramount have fueled the controversy, and Colbert’s final episode is set for May.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Stephen Colbert criticized for an over-the-top farewell season filled with celebrity tributes.
• John Lithgow and Bette Midler performed dramatic, politically tinged tributes.
• Drew Barrymore recreated her famous Letterman striptease, adding to the spectacle.
• Jimmy Fallon appeared with a theatrical rendition of “My Way,” reinforcing the Trump-related cancellation theory.
• Colbert’s show cited $40 million annual ad losses as the reason for its cancellation, amidst Paramount-Skydance merger tensions.