Stephen Colbert, like Jon Stewart before him, changed the way we viewed the news. Before guys like Stewart and Colbert, the news was portrayed in two ways: the gloomy, depressing approach that local and national nightly shows took or the jokey, light hearted approach that late night talk show hosts used. Stewart and Colbert were able to combine these two approaches into a thirty minute TV show that never, ever disappointed. It was an intellectual discussion on politics and world events mixed with the best writing staffs on television. What other show could feature the host having a discussion with Smaug on one show and then the next night have Henry Kissinger sitting in the same chair talking politics? Colbert the person will be heading to take over for David Letterman on CBS, but Colbert the character will always be remembered for making the news fun while still staying smart and informative. He influenced a generation of people for the better, and that’s not something that no one will ever be able to deny. Last night his run ended, as Randy Newman, Jon Stewart, and what seemed like every guest Colbert has ever had on his show showed up to send him off in style. While Colbert the character will be missed, I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us on Late Night. Farwell, Stephen Colbert. We’ll meet again some sunny day (in September).

– Ryan

P.S. The only other song I would’ve accepted here? Short people: