Stephen Colbert, the well-known television host, made an unexpected return to the small screen in Monroe, Michigan, on Friday. This appearance came just one day after he taped the final episode of ‘The Late Show,’ which he had hosted for 11 years. Colbert’s return to Monroe’s public access program, ‘Only in Monroe,’ is reminiscent of his 2015 appearance on the same show, which served as a quirky prelude to his ‘Late Show’ debut.
Farewell to ‘The Late Show’
During his farewell monologue on ‘The Late Show,’ Colbert hinted at his return to public access television. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to broadcast from the Ed Sullivan Theater, acknowledging the show’s 11-year run. He humorously suggested that his next appearance might be on a public access station in Monroe, Michigan, which turned out to be true.
Colbert’s final ‘Late Show’ episode featured an impressive lineup of guests, including Paul McCartney, Ryan Reynolds, and fellow late-night hosts Jon Stewart, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver. The broadcast extended over its usual one-hour slot, concluding with McCartney performing The Beatles’ classic ‘Hello, Goodbye.’
Controversy Surrounding CBS’s Decision
CBS announced the cancellation of ‘The Late Show’ in July, citing financial reasons as the network sought approval for its merger with Skydance. This decision sparked criticism, with some accusing CBS of yielding to political pressure due to Colbert’s vocal criticism of President Donald Trump. CBS, however, maintained that the decision was purely financial.
In a related incident, President Trump shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social depicting him throwing Colbert into a dumpster on ‘The Late Show’ set, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two.
Looking Ahead
Following his tenure on ‘The Late Show,’ Colbert, a devoted fan of ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ plans to focus on writing the screenplay for the franchise’s next film. His return to Monroe’s public access television serves as a nostalgic nod to his roots and a reminder of his enduring connection to local communities.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
