Stephen Colbert returns to TV 23 hours after ‘Late Show’ exit, jokes break was ‘excruciating’
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Just one day after wrapping up Stephen Colbert's 11-year run on CBS’ The Late Show, the comedian was already back behind a desk for another gig. 'The Late Show' star made a surprise comeback and instantly slipped back into his signature humor.
“It’s been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV, so I am grateful to be able to be here on Monroe Community Media before they also get acquired by Paramount,” Colbert joked during the Friday, May 22, broadcast.
Stephen Colbert returns to TV after CBS exit
Colbert made a surprise appearance on the Michigan public access TV show 'Only in Monroe,' where he took over hosting duties for a full hour on Friday, May 22.
The episode turned into a surprisingly stacked celebrity hangout. Actor Jeff Daniels joined the show alongside Jack White of 'The White Stripes' fame. Eminem and Steve Buscemi also appeared through pre-taped cameos.
Colbert remained the main character, even on another channel. He even squeezed in a quick FaceTime call with Byron Allen, whose comedy talk show is set to take over 'The Late Show' time slot.
The night also featured Michelle Baumann and former Miss America winner Kaye Lani Rafko-Wilson, who previously hosted Only in Monroe. The broadcast ended in true Colbert style. After wrapping up his hour-long hosting gig, he collected old props and leftover set pieces that were no longer needed and hauled them outside.
Daniels, Eminem, and White later joined Colbert in destroying parts of the set after the host admitted he "would very much like to break something" during the 11:35 pm broadcast.
Stephen Colbert mocks CBS after 'Late Show' exit
Colbert clearly was not done taking shots at CBS. During the broadcast, the late-night host slipped in multiple jokes aimed at the network while embracing what already feels like his completely unfiltered post-CBS era.
Mocking the company’s relationship with streaming, Colbert joked, "Viewers outside the greater Monroe area are able to view Monroe Community Media thanks to something known as streaming, which I promised not to learn about while I was on CBS. And evidently CBS also decided not to learn about it."
He also jokingly warned Byron Allen that he needed to be ready and earn his place. "I'm coming for you, brother. I can't give up. I’m coming for you,” Colbert joked. "Michigan public access is coming for you. No free rides, Byron Allen. You've got to earn this."
