Staff Reports
In a stunning turn of events, the world of late-night television has revealed its true nature following the 2024 election results. While political analysts and cable news pundits spin on the implications of Donald Trump’s victory, the late-night hosts seem to be the only ones offering an uninterrupted emotional rollercoaster. Comedy might have been their forte, but it appears that collective tears and exaggerated outrage have taken center stage, leaving behind the art of genuine humor.
Take, for instance, the recent lamentations from late-night host Stephen Colbert. In a masterclass of sarcasm, he portrayed the election results as a chaotic circus, combining his sentiments with what he described as the benefits of a “peaceful transfer of power.” The highlight of his monologue was the bittersweet victory of being able to wear “I voted” stickers while simultaneously reconsidering life choices. The grave tone of his delivery masked an inability to confront the reality that the electorate overwhelmingly opted for Trump—a fact that humorously seemed to elude him.
Colbert’s critiques of Kamala Harris and Tim Walls followed as he dubbed their campaign an “amazing seven-day” effort, seemingly relishing in their dramatic defeat. While he likened their “great” campaign to a catastrophic bridge collapse, it’s hard to tell whether he aimed for comedy or desperately trying to salvage some dignity. For everyone who identifies as a Democrat, this should serve as a moment of reflection—one can only be amazed by how utterly dim the achievements of Democratic leaders are when viewed outside their insular bubble.
As if that wasn’t enough irony to fill a season, enter Jimmy Kimmel with his emotional outpourings over Trump’s win. Kimmel’s teary-eyed monologue, which he claimed was about the terrible night for various social groups, felt less like a comedic routine and more like a dramatic soliloquy from a Shakespearean tragedy. His tears reflect a disconnection from reality that has ironically bogged down many on the left. If Kimmel thinks we care about his emotional pain because his candidate lost, he is sorely mistaken. People tune into comedy expecting levity, not a soap opera.
This brings the spotlight back onto the late-night landscape, which has become just as fragmented as our current political climate. Once accessible to a broader audience, these shows have devolved into echo chambers where only liberal ideologies are celebrated. The real losers are the viewers—the millions of Americans who want a good laugh but instead are inundated with partisan grievance and emotional catharsis. Would it hurt these hosts to crack a real joke about their opponents instead of grasping for sympathy?
In essence, late-night television has morphed into a sad reflection of a deeper cultural issue. Instead of facilitating laughter, these comedians now seek validation through shared misery. They would do well to remember that comedy isn’t about wallowing in sorrow or stoking outrage; it is about clever, creative commentary that brings people together through humor. The challenge remains for these hosts to rediscover what made comedy great—and perhaps engage with a broader audience that includes most Americans tired of partisan split shows.
In a democracy where the majority has spoken, there’s something almost admirable about the resilience of these late-night figures as they cling to their narratives. For the sake of humor, let’s hope they can recalibrate their approach and reclaim their funny bone before becoming mere footnotes in political commentary annals. After all, it’s their job to entertain—even when reality doesn’t suit their theatrics.
