Stephen Colbert returns to local TV just hours after Late Show farewell
Stephen Colbert returned to his roots just a day after his final Late Show episode. The comedian hosted Only in Monroe, a local community access programme in southeast Michigan. This marked his second time presenting the quirky show, having first done so back in 2015.
The latest episode aired exactly 24 hours after Colbert’s emotional farewell to The Late Show. The broadcast featured a mix of live segments and pre-recorded appearances. Among the guests was actor Jeff Daniels, whom Colbert interviewed during the show, while Steve Buscemi made a surprise appearance in a taped skit.
Helium-filled balloons added a playful touch, with regular hosts Michelle Baumann and Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson joining Colbert to inhale the gas. The episode also included a recorded segment from Eminem, who appeared as the ‘fire marshal’ giving approval to burn remnants of the show’s set. Adding to the fun, Michigan musician Jack White served as the ‘volunteer music director’ for the night. During the broadcast, Colbert connected via FaceTime with comedian Byron Allen to discuss his new show, *Comics Unleashed*. The lighthearted, chaotic energy mirrored the style of Colbert’s earlier stint on *Only in Monroe* before he took over *The Late Show* from David Letterman.
The episode blended nostalgia with fresh antics, giving fans a final glimpse of Colbert’s comedic versatility. The show’s mix of local charm and celebrity cameos made for a memorable send-off. It also served as a reminder of his early career roots before his long run on network television.
