But the more significant change, it turned out, was that two hot personalities — Mr. Stewart and Mr. Colbert, in their separate ways, both used theatrical, over-the-top personas — were succeeded by two cool personalities. As hosts, Mr. Noah and Mr. Wilmore have been cerebral, restrained presences. More telling was the remainder of the episode: more than 15 minutes given over to reminiscing and inside-baseball chitchat by the show’s cast of writer-performers, with Mr. Wilmore once again sitting by, observing. You could also wonder whether a late-night host’s resonance might have something to do with his age, at a time when pranks, singalongs and next-day viral videos are key currency. The smooth-faced Mr. Wilmore seemed younger Thursday night than the graying, hoarse Mr. Stewart, but he is actually a year older.

Source: New York Times August 19, 2016 07:08 UTC