INSIGHT by Frida Ghitis

INSIGHT by Frida Ghitis

The End of Colbert's Show Signals Trouble

One of the first signs of authoritarianism is headwinds against comedians

Frida Ghitis
Jul 18, 2025
∙ Paid
20
11
Share

Stephen Colbert on the Set of The Late Show (Photo: CBS)

You can measure a society’s political freedom by how openly comedians are able to mock or satirize the government. CBS’s decision to silence Stephen Colbert, announcing the impending end of the venerable The Late Show, is another incipient sign of trouble in the United States.

History, including our…

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Frida Ghitis
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture