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cherokeeprogressive

(24,853 posts)
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 12:39 AM Apr 2014

My prediction? The CBS Colbert experiment WILL NOT WORK.

Steven Colbert is KILLER as a Comedy Central PERSONA.

As a late night talk host stripped of what made him famous? ZZZZZZ

Chelsea Whateverhernameis would have been a MUCH BETTER choice.

60 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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My prediction? The CBS Colbert experiment WILL NOT WORK. (Original Post) cherokeeprogressive Apr 2014 OP
That's Chelsea Handler. And... You're wrong. Colbert will do just fine. nt ChisolmTrailDem Apr 2014 #1
I do love my Chelsea Whateverhernameis... Agschmid Apr 2014 #10
I think that Ferguson is going to walk away, and she'll get his slot. 6000eliot Apr 2014 #22
As long as she can still be crass I'm okay with that. Agschmid Apr 2014 #36
She is terrible. Unclassy and no tact. nt Logical Apr 2014 #54
Well we would not get along IRL... Agschmid Apr 2014 #56
That's my kind of woman Generic Brad Apr 2014 #57
Yeah, that's what a lot of the 'publicons are saying RandiFan1290 Apr 2014 #2
Yep. I noticed Republicans have been saying it won't work. Cali_Democrat Apr 2014 #3
and even if it doesn't work it wont be because he is bad JI7 Apr 2014 #6
Colbert Is A Good Host As Letterman's Replacement But..... global1 Apr 2014 #13
Letterman.. sendero Apr 2014 #20
Republicans watched Leno, not Letterman. eShirl Apr 2014 #23
That's cool you got to see Ferguson davidpdx Apr 2014 #26
Not a Republican dylan33 Apr 2014 #14
You and Limbaugh don't like him. senseandsensibility Apr 2014 #4
The "Colbert" persona is the smallest part of his resume enigmatic Apr 2014 #5
Dangit.. sendero Apr 2014 #21
Great minds! enigmatic Apr 2014 #45
I just want him to book Amy Sedaris at least monthly. xmas74 Apr 2014 #47
Yes! enigmatic Apr 2014 #58
Jerri Blank needs to make her presence known. xmas74 Apr 2014 #59
Harvey Birdman! HAHA! Matariki Apr 2014 #55
Colbert is talented Gore1FL Apr 2014 #7
I thought it was a risk to pick him given his background goldent Apr 2014 #8
He has to be more amusing than Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon. JVS Apr 2014 #9
It won't take much to be more amusing than those two guys. Paladin Apr 2014 #18
Colbert kicked some serious ass at a correspondent's dinner a few years back. MADem Apr 2014 #11
for me, that was one of the greatest moments in comedy of all time eShirl Apr 2014 #40
2006, and it was classic, indeed. Epic. Electric Monk Apr 2014 #48
i can see it working brilliantly. we will have to see. nt seabeyond Apr 2014 #12
My opinion? Never, ever underestimate Stephen. vanlassie Apr 2014 #15
... Mira Apr 2014 #31
You don't know her name but you're sure she'd be better... TreasonousBastard Apr 2014 #16
He's a brilliant man OKNancy Apr 2014 #17
Agreed. Colbert doesn't need anyone's career advice. mattclearing Apr 2014 #33
He can do it. He is brave and REAL. A hero of the Iraq War resistance, as far as I'm concerned. PassingFair Apr 2014 #38
in the best tradition of the court jester archetype eShirl Apr 2014 #41
He will have so much support behind the scenes Motown_Johnny Apr 2014 #19
OMG davidpdx Apr 2014 #27
I think he has the talent and versatility to pull it off caraher Apr 2014 #24
He might be sick of the "persona" after all these years. PassingFair Apr 2014 #39
I'm also happy for him personally caraher Apr 2014 #44
I don't know, we'll see davidpdx Apr 2014 #25
My fear is he'll say something that ticks off the right wingers too many times. Hoyt Apr 2014 #28
I don't think a lot of right-wingers watched Letterman. Dave was scathing at times, djean111 Apr 2014 #29
Stephen Colbert is smarter than the people second-guessing him. mattclearing Apr 2014 #30
I have wondered the wisdom of overt politicization pipoman Apr 2014 #32
It won't be political satire which is why... WhaTHellsgoingonhere Apr 2014 #34
I think he will do fine, but I do grieve for the loss of his brilliant political satire. I feel my GreenPartyVoter Apr 2014 #35
What makes Colbert work on avebury Apr 2014 #37
I can't guess if it will work or not. sofa king Apr 2014 #42
I think they are giving him license to do as he wishes therefore it will work. lonestarnot Apr 2014 #43
Change is good. Glassunion Apr 2014 #46
Rush Limbaugh agrees with you, so that means Lex Apr 2014 #49
I See "Today's Word" Staying otohara Apr 2014 #50
With Rush whining puts a different perspective on Colbert. Thinkingabout Apr 2014 #51
I am so glad wheniwasincongress Apr 2014 #52
I've seen footage of Stephen Colbert in the green room with guests. MohRokTah Apr 2014 #53
I cerainly hope you are incorrect U4ikLefty Apr 2014 #60

Agschmid

(28,749 posts)
10. I do love my Chelsea Whateverhernameis...
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 01:05 AM
Apr 2014

I was talking about this tonight with someone and we decided she would have to "tone it down" to be on CBS so we are VERY HAPPY she will not be on CBS... Rock on Chelsea!









 

Cali_Democrat

(30,439 posts)
3. Yep. I noticed Republicans have been saying it won't work.
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 12:48 AM
Apr 2014

They don't like Colbert and they're angry about it.

Colbert will be great, much to the chagrin of the GOPers.

JI7

(89,177 posts)
6. and even if it doesn't work it wont be because he is bad
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 01:00 AM
Apr 2014

it's because people want some jay leno type .

global1

(25,168 posts)
13. Colbert Is A Good Host As Letterman's Replacement But.....
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 02:09 AM
Apr 2014

if Repubs don't like him and don't watch because of politics - he won't get the ratings that CBS needs and he won't last long as a host. That is what I think was the error in CBS's thinking by giving him this job.

Fallon was a known entity from SNL. Talented. A big following particularly by the young demographic. And he is not a political lightening rod.

Colbert is a funny man. He's not as mainstream as Fallon was - because he is on a cable channel versus NBC like Fallon. Plus he is a political lightening rod. Yes he might have a liberal following - but those other people won't give him a chance.

My pick was Craig Ferguson. Ferguson is really very smart, quick-witted, genuinely funny and very talented in his own right. He's starred in movies, he sings, he's written books. He's Scottish by birth and became a U.S. citizen. He's an equal opportunity cut-up as far a politics is concerned. I admit he is an acquired taste - he's irreverent and unconventional and his Late Late Show doesn't quite fit the mold of the other late night talk shows.

His show is quirky to say the least with the skeleton robot and the horse - but after becoming one of his fans and watching him - it is clear the guests on his show really enjoy their experience because of his style. When he gets a serious guest on the show - he really does a good interview with them as well.

Last time I was in L.A. I attended a taping of his show. His guest for the show was Jane Fonda. I don't think she ever watched Ferguson's show and at first she was a little taken aback by his style. Then I think it was clear to her that he was different and you visibly saw the change in her as she opened up to the experience. It turned out she really enjoyed being on his show - she even let out a few expletives as she became comfortable with Ferguson.

I think that Ferguson is probably quite comfortable in his later time slot. Perhaps he would have had to change his style more to the established format of the traditional talk show and my guess is that he probably didn't want to do that.

Although as I recall - Letterman's Late Late Show before he move to the earlier time slot was very unconventional as well.

I hope Colbert succeeds but I think he has some steep obstacles to overcome - the biggest is his political bent.

sendero

(28,552 posts)
20. Letterman..
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 07:31 AM
Apr 2014

...bagged on Republicans pretty regularly. You think HE had a large conservative audience? I doubt it.

I get what the OP is saying but where I differ is that I've seen Colbert in many contexts and he always makes it work. He is not a one trick pony. He will do fine.

eShirl

(18,466 posts)
23. Republicans watched Leno, not Letterman.
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 07:38 AM
Apr 2014

A good number will probably watch Colbert by mistake. The dumber ones.

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
26. That's cool you got to see Ferguson
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 08:02 AM
Apr 2014

I REALLY wanted to see Letterman before he retires. Being outside the US and the fact that he has a limited number of shows left (which I'm sure will make tickets even more difficult to come by) will pretty much kill that idea.

Did Ferguson come out and shake hands with people?

enigmatic

(15,021 posts)
5. The "Colbert" persona is the smallest part of his resume
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 12:56 AM
Apr 2014

He started out as an improv performer at Second City and was a brilliantly funny and talented guy before The Colbert Report. He's not a one-trick pony by any stretch of the imagination.

Go find some clips on youtube of his varied career and you'll see what I mean. He'll be fine.

sendero

(28,552 posts)
21. Dangit..
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 07:32 AM
Apr 2014

... I said almost the exact same thing a few posts up before reading yours. I swear I didn't rip you off!

xmas74

(29,658 posts)
59. Jerri Blank needs to make her presence known.
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 10:49 PM
Apr 2014

That's how it should be: Jerri Blank introduces him on the very first show.

goldent

(1,582 posts)
8. I thought it was a risk to pick him given his background
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 01:02 AM
Apr 2014

but why not give him a try? And I'm really glad they didn't pick Craig Ferguson.

Paladin

(28,204 posts)
18. It won't take much to be more amusing than those two guys.
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 07:03 AM
Apr 2014

Best of luck to Colbert in his new gig. I can't honestly predict how he's going to do, but I take heart from the fact that Limbaugh is already expressing outrage over it.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
11. Colbert kicked some serious ass at a correspondent's dinner a few years back.
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 02:01 AM
Apr 2014

I think he's got more than a few tricks up his sleeve.

We will have to wait and see where he goes with this thing. Will it be the shopworn paradigm, or something else? Time will tell as it always does.

OKNancy

(41,832 posts)
17. He's a brilliant man
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 06:56 AM
Apr 2014

The depth of his knowledge is mind-blowing. You can tell when he has the book authors on. He has not only read their books, and understands them, but he also has a lot of knowledge to bring in as he pretend/jokes.

I think as his own personality, he will bring a lot of biting wit and great fun to boot.

 

Motown_Johnny

(22,308 posts)
19. He will have so much support behind the scenes
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 07:16 AM
Apr 2014

with the very best of the best of comedy central being able to move with him to CBS, it is my opinion that Colbert is going to be killing it.



The guy is smart and funny. Just watch his interviews. He extremely quick to respond to almost any comment made.

I would rather he took over Meet The Press, but late night on CBS will work for now.


davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
27. OMG
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 08:05 AM
Apr 2014

That would be a killing spree if he hosted MTP. Besides that nobody would come on because they'd all be too chicken.

caraher

(6,276 posts)
24. I think he has the talent and versatility to pull it off
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 07:55 AM
Apr 2014

But the trouble is losing the Colbert persona. Even his "succeeding" is a net loss to me.

PassingFair

(22,434 posts)
39. He might be sick of the "persona" after all these years.
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 09:33 AM
Apr 2014

I am happy that he will explore other sides of himself, and I think he
will be a great host.

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
25. I don't know, we'll see
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 07:57 AM
Apr 2014

I like Colbert's show too. I'm sure he knows it's going to be difficult.

I finally did look her up on Youtube and wasn't very impressed with her. I would have liked to seen a women get the job, but wouldn't have watched her if she did.

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
28. My fear is he'll say something that ticks off the right wingers too many times.
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 08:08 AM
Apr 2014

I hope he does and I hope CBS will give him plenty of freedom. The fact he's selected is a good sign.

Heck, I'm even concerned he offends too many right wingers before he officially takes over. Otherwise, I think he'll do fine.

 

djean111

(14,255 posts)
29. I don't think a lot of right-wingers watched Letterman. Dave was scathing at times,
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 08:45 AM
Apr 2014

about Republicans.
Craig Ferguson - liked him until he gave that long smarmy speech and said he was not going to go the innuendo route - and then he got right back on board the innuendo route. Watched him for about five minutes the other night, just flipping through, have not watched him for years and years and had never seen the skeleton, even.
He was bursting with wanting to say something about Clay Aiken running for Congress and being gay. Bursting with it. He settled with repeating himself about 5 or 6 times, even after the monologue. Ugh.
Ferguson gets pretty smarmy at times, which does not entertain me.

mattclearing

(10,091 posts)
30. Stephen Colbert is smarter than the people second-guessing him.
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 08:52 AM
Apr 2014

He doesn't need the character to be funny or successful. He'll still be the funniest person at 11:30 by miles and miles.

 

pipoman

(16,038 posts)
32. I have wondered the wisdom of overt politicization
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 08:55 AM
Apr 2014

Of Late Night. Late night hosts have leaned left for a long time. As with any business, I'm not sure why they would choose to alienate 1/2 the population by being overly political.

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
34. It won't be political satire which is why...
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 08:59 AM
Apr 2014

I stopped watching Letterman and only watch Stewart and Colbert. If Stewart decides to retain the Colbert Report format in that slot then I won't follow Colbert to CBS.

That being said, he will succeed.

GreenPartyVoter

(72,377 posts)
35. I think he will do fine, but I do grieve for the loss of his brilliant political satire. I feel my
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 09:03 AM
Apr 2014

teens have learned so much from watching TDS and TCR, including thinking skills.

avebury

(10,946 posts)
37. What makes Colbert work on
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 09:21 AM
Apr 2014

Comedy Central is the way he uses a faux conservative persona to make fun of the far right (who are too stupid to realize that). My fear is that Corporate CBS will squelch Colbert and turn him into just another talk show host. If Colbert is not allowed to be Colbert then I don't think it will work. I think that he will likely lose the freedom he experienced on Comedy Central.

sofa king

(10,857 posts)
42. I can't guess if it will work or not.
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 09:47 AM
Apr 2014

If the charade were continued and the show took on a format that remained able to sustain the Colbert persona, I think it could be awesome. Gary Shandling did something vaguely similar with great effect, for example.

The real Stephen Colbert is surely also immensely talented, though I've only seen the briefest flashes of that person.

But one thing we can guess almost for certain is that the real Stephen Colbert is creatively prolific as both a writer, actor, and show creator, able to fill multiple roles in the creation and running of a long-term television series, and perhaps most important, able to tap into those stunning talents at will, day in and day out, for years on end.

So I don't know if it will work for him or not... but I wouldn't bet against him.

 

otohara

(24,135 posts)
50. I See "Today's Word" Staying
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 04:55 PM
Apr 2014

it's like the Top Ten - in broadcasting the artists takes what worked for them to their new shows. Happens all the time in radio and Letterman kept his goofy stuff when he went to Late Night.

Colbert is a genius and a good person.

He'll rock and give Jimmy Fallon a run for his money which is why CBS picked Colbert in the first place.

Thinkingabout

(30,058 posts)
51. With Rush whining puts a different perspective on Colbert.
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 05:12 PM
Apr 2014

I have heard plenty of complaining about Letterman so his replacements needs the ability to make fun of Republicans and Colbert has the talent. I hate to see Letterman leave but understand his desire to retire. Looking forward to seeing Colbert in that spot.

wheniwasincongress

(1,307 posts)
52. I am so glad
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 05:15 PM
Apr 2014

they didn't choose Jon Stewart. Colbert is clearly the better performer and thinker. Colbert has jokes, Stewart yells "WHAT THE FUCK?!"

 

MohRokTah

(15,429 posts)
53. I've seen footage of Stephen Colbert in the green room with guests.
Sat Apr 12, 2014, 05:16 PM
Apr 2014

He interacts with the guests brilliantly when he's himself.

He'll do well.

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