Colbert’s Late Show Acts as Liberal Therapy, New Study Finds
Kai Montgomery here, rolling my eyes so hard I nearly sprained something – apparently we needed a study to confirm what’s been obvious since 2015. According to a recent analysis in the Journal of Media Psychology, Stephen Colbert’s left-wing Late Show has evolved into a full-on therapy session for progressive audiences. Researchers at University of Missouri surveyed over 1,200 self-identified liberal viewers and discovered that nearly 75 percent reported a significant mood boost after tuning in. Viewers cited feelings of comfort and a sense of community when they watched Colbert unpack political news with his trademark snark. The New York Post first flagged these findings, and The Washington Post ran its own summary, noting the show’s rise as a cultural touchstone for frustrated liberals.
Dr. Emily Johnson, lead author of the study, told Journal of Media Psychology that the show’s blend of satire and commentary “creates a safe space for viewers to process stress.” She explained that laughter at political absurdities can trigger real psychological relief – evidence she backed up with biometric data collected during live tapings. Ben Smith, media analyst at PolitiFact, added in The Washington Post that this phenomenon has deep roots in late-night television history, but “Colbert took it to another level by making his viewers feel like they were at group therapy with friends.”
The research team used a mixed-method approach, combining online surveys with in-home viewing diaries and focus groups held over Zoom throughout 2021. They cross-referenced heart rate monitors and cortisol-level readings, ensuring they weren’t just dealing with wishful thinking. NPR covered the methodology and pointed out that this kind of longitudinal study is rare in entertainment research. By tracking emotional responses across multiple episodes, the team concluded that the Late Show’s consistent format – monologue, interview, and field piece – amplifies the therapeutic effect.
Critics argue that labelling comedy television as therapy trivializes actual mental health services. Media ethicist Dr. Harold Chang, writing in The Washington Post, warned that “entertainment can help morale but should never replace professional care.” However, the study’s authors contend that this form of media-based coping serves as an accessible stress outlet when traditional channels are overwhelmed.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not here to defend a talk show host’s ego trip. This is just another sign that cable news fatigue is real. Fox News viewers have Sean Hannity, liberal audiences have Colbert, and everyone else is stuck flipping channels like they’re looking for an open coffee shop on a Saturday night. Therapy via television might sound ridiculous, but in an era of nonstop political drama, it’s no wonder people turn to late-night comfort viewing. Researchers noted a 60 percent increase in binge-watching Late Show segments on streaming platforms during key political events like the 2020 election and the January 6 hearings.
There’s also a practical side to all this. Advertisers have noticed the show’s loyal fan base, which has translated into premium ad rates during Colbert’s time slot. Industry insiders told Variety that Comedy Central has seen a 20 percent rise in commercial revenue tied directly to viewer engagement metrics. So yes, therapy is lucrative – who knew saving the world one sarcastic monologue at a time could pay the bills?
Whether you’re team liberal or just here for the late-night laughs, the evidence is clear: when political anxiety spikes, Americans reach for Colbert’s snide grin and clever quips. And if that doubles as group therapy, maybe we should all grab a recliner and a remote.
Well, that was a waste of time. Moving on.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Journal of Media Psychology, New York Post, The Washington Post, PolitiFact, NPR, Variety
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
