This allowed for more frequent adjustments in format, partly in the form of live telecasts that follow important political events, which viewers have responded well to.
A more pronounced monologue has helped to maintain consistency, and the show is also taking other steps to keep interest high, such as adding new interviews and segments to repeat episodes in an effort to freshen them up.
As it’s shared by both Stephen Colbert and Chris Licht, the executive producer whose mid-2016 addition to The Late Show was a huge factor in its ratings upswing, everything really came together once Colbert focused on hosting and the audience rather than behind-the-scenes issues.