NPR Analysis Interview

In the “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross, Stephen Colbert is interviewed about why he ended his show “The Colbert Report” and his fear of not being able to avoid his political persona.

This Interview was Aired on December 30, 2016. 

Gross had plenty of information on Colbert from previously talking to him about his show and episodes of “The Colbert Report” and his current show “Late Night.”

“Last month we talked about why he ended ‘The Colbert Report’ two years ago and we also discussed what it’s been like to create his version of ‘the late show’ and discover who he is on stage out of persona and do political comedy out of persona,” said Gross.

Gross focused a lot on asking Colbert the reason why he decided to put an end to his previous show “The Colbert Report.” 

She didn’t really care about his emotions and what Colbert actually felt about leaving his political persona behind. Her questions were mostly focused on how “The Colbert Report” effected the public.

Gross started off by introducing Stephen Colbert on “Fresh Air” and dived straight to the main point which concerned “The Colbert Report.”

Every question asked by Gross led Colbert to give an interesting response which caught her curiosity and wanted to dig deeper.

Gross talked to Colbert as if he was an old friend and were catching up with each other for the first time in two years.

“Stephen Colbert, welcome back to FRESH AIR. And congratulations on your new show – not so new. But it’s the first time I’ve spoken to you since you’ve been doing ‘Late Night’,” said Gross.

“Thanks for having me back. I’m really happy to talk to you,” said Colbert.

Somehow it appeared as if she was convinced that he didn’t leave his political persona behind and was trying to make him reveal or admit that he is having a difficult time not mentioning political jokes on his new show.

Being persistent and concentrating on only one topic and having a conversation in order to allow the interviewee to open up and be more comfortable discussing the subject.