The question “Is Stephen Colbert a Democrat?” has gained renewed attention in July 2025 following CBS’s announcement to cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Recent political developments and the show’s cancellation have put Colbert’s political affiliations under fresh scrutiny.
Stephen Colbert’s Confirmed Democratic Affiliation
Stephen Colbert has described himself as a Democrat according to a 2004 interview, making his political stance clear despite years of playing a satirical conservative character. He has admitted to being a Democrat and his satirical portrayal of a conservative pundit would imply that he’s probably quite liberal.
Evolution from Satirical Conservative to Liberal Voice
Colbert’s political journey in entertainment is unique. On Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report” (2005-2014), he portrayed a fictional conservative pundit character, but this was satirical comedy designed to mock conservative viewpoints rather than promote them. When he transitioned to CBS’s “The Late Show” in 2015, Colbert dropped the character and revealed his genuine political leanings.
The Late Show as a Democratic Platform
“The Late Show,” which Colbert took over from David Letterman in 2015, leaned into liberal politics in the Trump era and became a major platform for Democratic politicians. The show consistently featured Democratic guests and provided a forum for liberal political discourse.
Recent examples include Colbert welcoming New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani before the socialist hopeful clinched the Democratic nomination, demonstrating his continued support for progressive Democratic candidates.
Political Reactions to Show’s Cancellation
The July 2025 cancellation of “The Late Show” sparked significant political controversy. Democratic senators, including Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren, have suggested the cancellation may have political motivations, with some viewing it as potentially connected to the Trump administration’s return to power.
Critics have described Colbert as “a left-wing activist, and when the Democrats need a go-to interview, they will go to Stephen Colbert”, highlighting his role as a trusted platform for Democratic politicians and causes.
Current Political Impact and Legacy
Throughout his tenure on “The Late Show,” Colbert has been consistently critical of Republican policies and supportive of Democratic positions. His show became appointment television for liberal viewers, particularly during the Trump presidency years.
Some critics argue that Colbert “used the show as nothing more than a vehicle for his own personal and pathological hatred of Trump“, though supporters view this as legitimate political commentary and satire.
Conclusion
Yes, Stephen Colbert is definitively a Democrat. His political affiliation has been confirmed through interviews, his show’s content, and his consistent support for Democratic politicians and liberal causes. The recent controversy surrounding his show’s cancellation has only reinforced perceptions of Colbert as a significant voice within Democratic political circles.
His decade-long run as host of “The Late Show” established him not just as an entertainer, but as an influential figure in liberal political discourse, making his Democratic affiliation both clear and consequential in American political media.