Stephen Colbert's departure from The Late Show sparks debate. The article analyzes the decline of late-night political comedy, arguing that Colbert's brand of 'clapter' – commentary peppered with jokes – is outdated in the age of readily available online political content. Unlike Jon Stewart's impactful critiques during the Iraq War, Colbert's commentary lacks the same cultural relevance and impact due to media saturation and the evolving political landscape. The author suggests Colbert's dismissal may be symbolic of a shift in cultural power, with the right gaining influence and the left losing its gatekeeping control over mainstream media.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.