The Late Show is competent late-night TV—Colbert is smart, the production is polished, and if you're into political comedy, it delivers. But let's be real: this is comfort food for adults who already agree with Colbert's worldview.

For families, it's a mixed bag. Teens 14+ who are starting to care about politics might find it engaging and educational (in a pop-culture way). It can spark good conversations about media bias, satire, and current events. But it's also predictable, politically one-sided, and not particularly innovative.

The format is nearly a decade old and feels it—late-night talk shows are kind of a relic in the streaming era. Your teen is probably more likely to catch clips on TikTok than sit through a full episode. If you're looking for family viewing that's both entertaining and enriching, there are better options. But if your household is politically engaged and leans left, this can be a decent background show for older kids.