After more than 3,000 episodes of television stretched over 20 years and two TV networks, this critic believes Stephen Colbert's greatest legacy as a host and performer comes down to a single word.

Stephen Colbert was the late-night host we didn't know we needed until we really needed him. And by we, I mean the majority of us who still believe the media are supposed to speak truth to power. Or ...

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ends on Thursday. Here's how he has evolved to meet the moment. After more than 3,000 episodes of television stretched over 20 years and two TV networks, this critic ...

Stephen Colbert during a taping of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report in December 2014. (Andrew Harrer | Pool/Getty Images) After more than 3,000 episodes of television stretched over 20 years and ...

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ends on Thursday. Here's how he has evolved to meet the moment. For 20 years, Stephen Colbert distinguished truth from truthiness After more than 3,000 episodes of ...

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today. After more than 3,000 episodes of ...