Stephen Colbert returns to late night TV a day after final taping of ‘Late Show’

TVStephen Colbert returns to late night TV a day after final taping of ‘Late Show’ The former CBS late night host returned to Michigan’s public access show, “Only in Monroe,” on Friday night, following an appearance 11 years prior.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Stephen Colbert on the CBS series The Late Show with Stephen ColbertScott Kowalchyk / CBS via Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 23, 2026, 11:46 AM EDTBy Matt LavietesBack so soon?Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Stephen Colbert was back on late-night television on Friday, just one day after taping the final episode of the “The Late Show.”The former CBS show host helmed Monroe “Only in Monroe,” a public access program in Monroe, Michigan — the same show he appeared on in 2015 in a quirky dry run before his Late Show debut.Colbert had hinted at the comeback during his farewell monologue.“Tonight is our final broadcast from the Ed Sullivan Theater,” he said, prompting boos from the audience.“No, no, we were lucky enough to be here for the last 11 years, all right? Can’t take this for granted,” he added. “Though 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’s probably where you’ll see me next.”Turns out he wasn’t kidding.As in 2015, his appearance was unannounced. His monologue leaned heavily on local references. He helmed a segment titled “Monroe News,” and welcomed back Enimen, who had also appeared on the show during Colbert original visit 11 years ago. CBS announced in July that “The Late Show” — which had run for 33 years — would be canceled as the Paramount-owned network sought the Trump administration’s 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 cri...