Stephen Colbert took to the Carnegie Hall stage on Wednesday morning to open CBS’ annual Upfront presentation. Last year the late night host barely got mention, largely being overshadowed by ‘Late Late Show’ host James Corden, but this year saw the return of Colbert as one of the network’s most prized stars.
The network’s 90-minute presentation to advertisers saw Colbert belt out a show tune about CBS’ most-watched status, before delivering a monologue that riffed on the most significant factor in the ‘Late Show’s’ incredible ratings turnaround: President Donald Trump and his administration.
Colbert was followed on stage by CBS Chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves, who, rather than focus too much on the network’s performance, praised the late night hosts 15-week winning streak in total viewers - the ‘Late Show’ still trails the ‘Tonight Show’ in the key 18-24 demographic. “Stephen Colbert and ‘The Late Show’ are killing it. If you think I love Stephen more now because he’s No. 1, you’re right. Who would have thought that Stephen Colbert would be No. 1 and Bill O’Reilly would be doing a podcast in his underwear,” quipped Moonves.
For a recap of the CBS Upfront presentations, head to the Hollywood Reporter, Deadline and Entertainment Weekly.