‘The Nightly Show’
Grade: A-
It’s not possible to talk about “The Nightly Show” without bringing up “The Colbert Report.”
What started as a simple field reporting segment on the comedy news program “The Daily Show” became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most consistently funny shows on television.
But times change, and as Stephen Colbert prepares to take over David Letterman’s seat on the “Late Show,” there was a spot to be filled at 11:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday on Comedy Central.
The successor is Larry Wilmore, and the show is “The Nightly Show.”
From the first episode, Wilmore has attempted to distance himself from his predecessor and create a new show in the 11:30 p.m. slot.
Whether it is the placement of the graphics in the bottom left corner or the introduction of a panel, “The Nightly Show” has established itself as separate from “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report.”
The panel is actually one of the most interesting segments of the show. Wilmore and his cavalcade of guests, from politicians to comedians, sit at a table and play a game called “Keeping It 100,” in which everyone must speak the truth and say what they really think about polarizing topics.
These segments, from Ferguson to Bill Cosby, are often fascinating and full of captivating interactions between the guests. It has a “Real Time With Bill Maher” feel, yet seems to take on a life of its own.
As the only African-American late-night host, Wilmore has made it his duty to discuss the big topics in black culture. He is talented at toeing the line while bringing up thought-provoking points about the issues in today’s society.
It may be odd to see someone else in the 11:30 spot, but Larry Wilmore has taken the torch Colbert once held and carried it with pride into Comedy Central’s newest era.
