Stephen Colbert Returns to TV One Day After Ending Late-Night Show

by

Stephen Colbert didn’t stay away from TV very long—or even a full day.

Just a day after finishing his run as host of the Late Show on May 21st, Stephen Colbert surprised viewers by appearing as a host on Only in Monroe, a local public access show in Michigan.

Stephen Colbert recently finished his 11-year run as host of The Late Show on CBS, wrapping up the show just last night. Speaking on May 22nd, he joked that being off TV for even 23 hours felt difficult, and expressed his gratitude to Monroe Community Media for having him, especially knowing they might soon be acquired by Paramount.

The Emmy-winning host featured several famous people from Michigan during his hour-long appearance on the local TV show. He welcomed Jack White and Jeff Daniels as guests, and included pre-recorded messages from Steve Buscemi and Eminem. He also video chatted with Byron Allen, who now hosts The Late Show, and spoke briefly with Michelle Baumann and Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson, the regular hosts of Only in Monroe.

 

The show wrapped up with a chaotic finale after Stephen addressed local topics in a comedic opening segment, shared drinks with Michelle and Kaye, and sampled Jeff’s famous sandwich. Stephen, Jeff, Jack, and the hosts of Only in Monroe then playfully dismantled the set, throwing everything into a dumpster.

Okay, so seeing Stephen pop up on TV so soon after the Late Show finale? It totally shocked everyone, but honestly, it didn’t shock me. He literally told us to look for him on some local show! I mean, I was paying attention, and he said we’d probably see him again. It was like he was winking at us fans, knowing he wasn’t really going anywhere. I just knew he’d find a way to keep making us laugh!

As he wrapped up his final monologue on May 21st, he told the audience, “Tonight is our last show from the Ed Sullivan Theater.” He added that being there for the past 11 years was something they were very grateful for and shouldn’t be taken for granted.

He added that their very first show, though it was technically broadcast from a public access station in Monroe, Michigan in July 2015, was only seen by 12 people.

Okay, so you won’t BELIEVE this! Stephen took over The Late Show in 2015, right after Dave Letterman left – it feels like forever ago, but it was actually pretty soon after he first filled in on that little show, Only in Monroe! And now, get this, he’s hinting he’s going back to where it all began, saying he’ll be showing up on public TV again! I’m so excited, it’s like a full-circle moment for him, and honestly, for me as a huge fan!

“Show business being what it is these days,” he said, “that’s probably where you’ll see me next.”

And while Stephen is a comedian after all, he wasn’t joking around.

Okay, so last night, during his actual final show, Stephen really drove home the point that making people laugh and feel good was always what the Late Show was all about. It just… it meant so much to hear him say it, you know? Like, that’s what I loved about the show, and it was amazing he acknowledged that was the whole point all along!

He explained that making the show has been a real pleasure for everyone involved. They jokingly call it ‘The Joy Machine’ because putting on so many episodes feels like a huge undertaking. But he added that approaching the work with enthusiasm makes the inevitable challenges – the ‘gears’ – a lot easier to handle.

Now that The Late Show is ending, find out what’s happening with other TV shows you love.

And while Stephen is a comedian after all, he wasn’t joking around.

Despite the somber mood, Stephen Colbert highlighted during his farewell show the previous night that making viewers laugh and feel good has always been the main goal of the Late Show.

He explained that making the show has been a real pleasure. They jokingly call it ‘The Joy Machine’ because putting on so many episodes feels like a huge undertaking. But he added that approaching the work with a positive attitude makes the inevitable challenges much easier to handle.

Now that The Late Show has been canceled, find out what’s happening with other TV shows you enjoy.

Emily Cooper’s adventures are coming to an end. Netflix has confirmed that season six, which will take place in Greece, will be the final season of the series starring Lily Collins.

Great news for fans! The spinoff of The Handmaid’s Tale, featuring Chase Infiniti, has been picked up for a second season.

The Apple TV freshman comedy series starring Elle Fanning will return for season two.

Filming will pause for Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as the fifth season of the Netflix legal drama concludes the series.

Netflix’s docuseries following the NFL’s top-tier athletes will return for season three.

Love Is Blind is shipping out to Boston. 

Netflix has renewed the series for an eleventh season, which will be set in Boston, Massachusetts. The show originally premiered on Netflix in 2020.

Kate Hudson‘s sports comedy scored a slam dunk with season three renewal.

Dan Levy‘s Netflix comedy will take fans on another wild ride during season two.

The coming-of-age series was renewed for season four at Netflix.

The drama from Amanda Batula, West Wilson, and Ciara Miller’s complicated relationship will continue in the new season of the popular Bravo series, which is season 11.

According to Variety, Fox president Rob Wade has stated that the network doesn’t intend to renew the dance competition show, So You Think You Can Dance, after its eighteenth season aired almost two years ago.

The network confirmed they hadn’t stopped the music entirely, and Wade explained, “We’ve discussed it, but haven’t made any official decisions yet.”

Get excited, baby gorgeous. Utah’s iconic Housewives are returning for season seven on Bravo.

Bravo is setting sail on season five of the travel reality show.

The future of the dance competition series is uncertain after its eighteenth season. In May, Rob Wade, President of Fox Television, stated that there are currently no plans for a new season.

In the second season premiering on Bravo, the cast of Real Housewives will trade lives with actual mothers.

The popular reality show ‘Southern Charm’ is returning for a thirteenth season, and Charleston’s well-known social figures will be back to share all the latest gossip and drama.

Oxygen’s true crime show, featuring June Squibb, will return for a second season focusing on more grandmothers who committed crimes.

Bravo’s long-running reality series was renewed for lucky number season 13.

Buckle up for more drama when season two debuts.

Goodbye, chef. FX announced the culinary drama’s upcoming fifth season will be its last.

Oxygen’s true crime series will be back for season two.

Kelly Siegler will be back on the case when season three debuts on Oxygen.

Bravo is cooking up more culinary competition because Top Chef will be back for season 24.

ABC’s revival of the medical comedy will return for season two.

The animated spinoff will investigate new supernatural mysteries in Hawkins during season two.

The Sci-Fi horror series starring Harold Perrineau will return for a fifth and final season on MGM+.

After five seasons, NBC and Peacock have canceled the Law & Order spin-off series starring Christopher Meloni.

The sheriffs are back on duty when season two debuts.

CBS’ top CIA agents will be back on the case when they return for another season.

Carrie Preston‘s quirky alter-ego will return with the CBS show’s fourth season.

Read More

2026-05-24 02:47