Stephen Colbert's departure from 'The Late Show' marks the end of an era for late-night comedy, and with it, a unique relationship between the host and the Chicago Cubs. Colbert's love for the Cubs was evident in his on-air antics and personal connections to the city, but it also highlights a broader trend in late-night talk shows and their treatment of sports teams.
Colbert's journey with the Cubs began in 2015, when he started hosting 'The Late Show' during the team's renaissance. He embraced the Cubs' legacy of being a 'lovable loser', using his platform to poke fun at the team's struggles while also showing his appreciation for the city and its sports culture. One memorable moment was his 'Woo!' bit with Anthony Rizzo, Jake Arrieta, and Kris Bryant, where he played up the Cubs' fan culture and the players' acting skills.
However, Colbert's love for the Cubs didn't preclude him from making light of the team's struggles. In 2022, he mocked Frank Schwindel's brief stint as a relief pitcher, highlighting the team's unique ability to attract attention, even in losing situations. This dynamic between the Cubs and late-night hosts is a fascinating interplay of sarcasm and sports culture, where the team's popularity and history make them an easy target for comedic relief.
What makes Colbert's relationship with the Cubs particularly interesting is the way he navigated the fine line between being a fan and a comedian. He showed his appreciation for the city and its sports culture while also using his platform to make light of the team's struggles. This balance is a testament to Colbert's skill as a comedian and his understanding of the Cubs' unique place in sports history.
The end of Colbert's run on 'The Late Show' raises questions about the future of late-night comedy and its treatment of sports teams. With outspoken hosts facing threats of cancellation, the days of mocking losing sports teams on late-night TV might soon be a thing of the past. The Cubs, once a staple of late-night jokes, may now be a more generic sports franchise, and the luckless Cleveland Browns are probably a more appropriate target for national ridicule.
In my opinion, the Cubs' unique place in sports history and their ability to attract attention, even in losing situations, make them a fascinating subject for late-night comedy. Colbert's relationship with the team highlights the fine line between being a fan and a comedian, and his departure from 'The Late Show' marks the end of an era for late-night comedy. Personally, I think the Cubs will continue to be a source of comedic relief, but in a different form, perhaps as a subject for sports satire or a source of inspiration for new forms of comedy. From my perspective, the Cubs' legacy as a 'lovable loser' will live on, and their ability to attract attention will continue to make them a fascinating subject for comedians and sports fans alike.
