The Colbert Report is an American late-night talk and news satire television program hosted by Stephen Colbert that aired four days a week on Comedy Central from October 17, 2005, to December 18, 2014, for 1,447 episodes. The show focused on a fictional anchorman character named Stephen Colbert, played by his real-life namesake. The character, described by Colbert as a "well-intentioned, poorly informed, high-status idiot", is a caricature of televised political pundits. Furthermore, the show satirized conservative personality-driven political talk programs, particularly Fox News's The O'Reilly Factor. The Colbert Report is a spin-off of Comedy Central's The Daily Show, where Colbert was a correspondent from 1997 to 2005.
Colbert on the set of The Colbert Report in 2011
The show is a spin-off of The Daily Show, hosted by Jon Stewart, seen here in 2005.
Outside the studio
Colbert on the show's set, preparing to interview First Lady Michelle Obama in 2012
A late-night talk show is a genre of talk show, originating in the United States. It is generally structured around humorous monologues about the day's news, guest interviews, comedy sketches and music performances. It is characterized by spontaneous conversation, and for an effect of immediacy and intimacy as if the host were speaking directly to each member of the watching audience. Late-night talk shows are also fundamentally shaped by the personality of the host.
Late-night talk shows often feature guest interviews. Barack Obama (left) is seen here being interviewed by David Letterman (right).
The cast of Tonight Starring Jack Paar in 1960
Tomorrow (host Tom Snyder at right, interviewing John Lennon) followed a low-key interview format.
A panoramic view of the studio for Conan at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, featuring its audience area, band, and desk.
