Stephen Colbert's Controversial New Role: Fans Divided After Late Show Exit

Stephen Colbert's Next Act: The Late Night Legend Lands a Gig, But Can He Win Back the Hearts of Fans?

It's been three months since Stephen Colbert's iconic Late Show was abruptly canceled after 10 seasons on CBS. The decision sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many speculating that it was a strategic move by Paramount and CBS to appease President Donald Trump's administration.

But now, in a surprise twist, Colbert is back in the spotlight - this time as a guest star on the CBS series Elsbeth! Yes, you read that right. The 61-year-old comedian, known for his sharp wit and biting satire, will be playing a late night host who finds himself at the center of a murder mystery.

The news was met with a mix of reactions from fans, with some hailing Colbert's return as a "match made in heaven" and others expressing skepticism about why he would continue to work with a network that they believe used him as a "political football."

"I LOVE Elspeth (Carrie Preston!) and Stephen. If true, this could be an EPIC match up! But on NBC!" exclaimed one fan on social media.

But not everyone was thrilled about Colbert's new gig. "He is a biased loser," tweeted another viewer. "Zzz... The only thing that will get ratings now is if he starts interviewing the ghosts of his former guests!"

Meanwhile, some fans are still trying to make sense of the controversy surrounding Colbert's cancellation. As we previously reported on The Scholarly Note (TSN), Emmy-winning actress Sandra Oh made a passionate plea for free speech during an appearance on The Late Show in July.

"I want to say that I am so sorry and saddened and properly outraged for the cancellation of late-night here," she said, addressing CBS directly. "Not only for yourself and for this entire family who are here, but for what it means, of what it means where we are in our culture and what it means for free speech."

But Tony Dokoupil, a commentator on CBS Mornings, disputed Oh's claims, saying that the business of late-night TV has changed dramatically over the years. "The business is broken," he said. "And what no one seems to acknowledge is that the politics also changed. The business changed and so did the politics, and it got way more one-sided than anything Johnny Carson was ever doing."

Dokoupil's comments sparked a heated debate among fans, with some accusing him of downplaying the role of politics in Colbert's cancellation.

But not everyone is convinced by Dokoupil's arguments. As comedian and activist Jon Stewart pointed out, "The shows that you now seek to cancel, censor and control, a not insignificant portion of that $8 billion value came from those f*ing shows." Stewart suggested that the cancellation of The Late Show was part of a larger effort by Paramount and CBS to grease through their massive merger with Skydance Media.

Despite the controversy surrounding his cancellation, Colbert seems to be taking it all in stride. As one insider close to the star told TSN, "Stephen is still the same old Stephen - witty, charming, and always up for a challenge."

So what's next for Colbert? Will he continue to tackle the big issues of the day on Elsbeth, or will he take a more lighthearted approach in his new role?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Stephen Colbert is back, and he's not going anywhere anytime soon.