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Hollywood Journal
  • 1 week ago
CBS' 'Late Show' comeback kid — who covers THR's New York media power list — dishes on his ratings streak and his angst and anger over Trump.
Transcript
00:00There's Stephen Colbert strolling through New York City for the photo on our cover this week
00:08for The Hollywood Reporter's New York Media Power List. By the first week in February,
00:13shortly after Donald Trump's inauguration, Colbert and his relentless coverage of the
00:17president had edged out the apolitical Jimmy Fallon by 20,000 viewers. Though Fallon retains
00:22a narrow edge among viewers 18 to 49, Colbert's streak now stands at 10 weeks. In the first
00:28quarter, Late Show averaged 3.29 million viewers a night, compared with The Tonight Show's 3.02 million,
00:35a 17% year-over-year jump for Colbert, and a 17% sag for Fallon. While Trump may have been the
00:41catalyst, Colbert tells The Hollywood Reporter, we were ready for something that galvanized people's
00:46attention and changed their priorities. Colbert's monologue has become a nightly deconstruction of
00:51the existential angst his audience is feeling about Trump's presidency. The comedy bits too have
00:56become much more topical and biting, and several of them have featured cameos from pal and executive
01:01producer John Stewart. The first time the show beat out Fallon, Colbert says he bought the staff
01:06pizza and continues to do so. Honest to God, it's like, hey, pizza. But remember, maybe next week,
01:12no pizza. But it doesn't mean we're not doing great. So, does Colbert think he owes Donald Trump
01:17a thank you note? No, he says. I would trade good ratings for a better president. Make sure to check
01:24out THR.com to read the full cover story and interview for a lot more, including Colbert's
01:29take on his live election night episode, which he calls the hardest effing thing he ever did.
01:33He also reveals how they decide when Jon Stewart goes on the show, how New York has changed since
01:38Trump was elected, and much more. So, what do you guys think about Colbert and The Late Show?
01:42Let me know in the comments. For The Hollywood Reporter News, I'm Paul Costabile. See you guys.
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