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Colbert's Legacy: Graceful Exit and Career Reflections

4/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ben Karlin, co-creator of The Colbert Report, reflects on Stephen Colbert's legacy after The Late Show's end, saying Colbert handled the network's politically motivated cancellation with grace.
Karlin oversaw The Daily Show's talent and notes he prefers Colbert's earlier work, citing tension between Colbert's character and his decency.
He now works on the series Bait on Amazon Prime Video, about an actor's quest to become the next James Bond.

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Story summary

Ben Karlin, co-creator of The Colbert Report, reflects on Stephen Colbert's legacy after The Late Show's end, saying Colbert handled the network's politically motivated cancellation with grace.
Karlin oversaw The Daily Show's talent and notes he prefers Colbert's earlier work, citing tension between Colbert's character and his decency.
He now works on the series Bait on Amazon Prime Video, about an actor's quest to become the next James Bond.