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Stephen Colbert was back on late-night television on Friday, just one day after taping the final episode of CBS\u2019 \u201cThe Late Show.\u201d<\/p>\n
The former TV host helmed \u201cOnly in Monroe,\u201d a public access program in Monroe, Michigan \u2014 the same show he appeared on in 2015 in a quirky dry run before his \u201cLate Show\u201d debut.<\/p>\n
Colbert had hinted at the comeback during his farewell monologue.<\/p>\n
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\u201cTonight is our final broadcast from the Ed Sullivan Theater,\u201d he said, prompting boos from the audience.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, no, we were lucky enough to be here for the last 11 years, all right? Can\u2019t take this for granted,\u201d he added. \u201cThough technically our first show in July of 2015 was from a public access station in Monroe, Michigan, for an audience of 12 people. Show business being what it is these days, that\u2019s probably where you\u2019ll see me next.\u201d<\/p>\n
Turns out he wasn\u2019t kidding.<\/p>\n
As in 2015, his appearance was unannounced. His monologue leaned heavily on local references. He helmed a segment titled \u201cMonroe News\u201d and welcomed back Eminem, who had also appeared on the show during Colbert\u2019s original visit 11 years ago.<\/p>\n
CBS announced in July<\/a> that \u201cThe Late Show\u201d \u2014 which had run for 33 years \u2014 would be canceled as the Paramount-owned network sought the Trump administration\u2019s approval for its $8 billion merger with Skydance. The decision sparked widespread backlash, with critics accusing CBS of capitulating to political pressure. Colbert has been a vocal critic <\/a>of President Donald Trump and his administration; CBS has maintained the move was purely financial.<\/p>\n On Friday night, Trump shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social of him walking up from behind Colbert on \u201cThe Late Show\u201d set and throwing him into a dumpster.<\/p>\n Thursday\u2019s finale featured an all-star lineup, including Paul McCartney, Ryan Reynolds and fellow late-night hosts Jon Stewart, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and John Oliver. The broadcast ran more than 20 minutes over its standard one-hour slot and closed with McCartney performing the Beatles\u2019 \u201cHello, Goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n