By: Grant Vance ~Staff Writer~

Comedy Central made a major shift in its late night line-up on Jan. 19 by premiering “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore.” Wilmore is the replacement for the recently concluded fan-favorite “The Colbert Report.”

“The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” has been on the air for a week, not only providing a worthy replacement to Stephen Colbert with satirical political commentary but also creating a diverse landmark in primetime late night television.

Though the show is already switching up the traditional structure of Comedy Central’s late night programming, the show marks a shift through its host Larry Wilmore, who is currently the only minority to be hosting a late night show.

Wilmore, who took the job after his nine-year residency as John Stewart’s “senior black correspondent” on “The Daily Show,” was a prime choice for Comedy Central to fill Colbert’s empty, patriotic shoes.

Not only is the panel-oriented show a change in pace as far as structure, but Wilmore also brings to the table the elusive voice of a minority in the late night landscape.

Originally titled “The Minority Report with Larry Wilmore” before licensing rights got in the way, Wilmore has set out to discuss new topics. Examining a new issue each episode, Wilmore uses his voice to examine a topical issue of race and all of the different implications and opinions surrounding it.

So far, Wilmore has taken on Ferguson, the Cosby scandal, opinions surrounding Obama in light of the State of the Union and U.S. relations with Cuba. Considering the ever-present issues of race we experience as a country — especially within the last couple of months — Wilmore has come on the air at a dynamic moment in the nation’s history. He has already attracted excellent reviews for his first broadcasts. “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” airs at 11:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, following “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central.