The Colbert Report (2005-2009)

Stephen Colbert hosts The Colbert Report. (Photo: Comedy Central)

Starring: Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert, a versatile comedian and comedy writer best known for his daffy "analysis" spots on Jon Stewart's satirical The Daily Show, was given his own half-hour vehicle by Comedy Central, co-produced by Stewart and initially telecast in tandem with The Daily Show on a four-day-per-week basis. Utilizing his best Ted Baxter-ish tones, Colbert spoofed the sort of news/interview/opinion programs offered up by such rival cable services as MSNBC and Fox News Channel. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Chris Matthews, Bill O'Reilly, and Anderson Cooper, Colbert fatuously bloviated on current events which he (and generally he alone!) considered important, dismissing most of his guests as know-nothings who were wrong about practically everything. The pomposity of the Colbert "persona" extended to the announcer, who carefully pronounced the show's title as "The Col-bear Ra-pore"! Much-adored by critics who'd been surfeited by the egocentricities of the above-mentioned cable personalities, The Colbert Rapport was seen at 11:30 p.m. EST weekdays (except Fridays) beginning October 17, 2005. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide