Stephen Colbert returns to late night TV after finale of 'The Late Show'

Stephen Colbert returns to 'Only in Monroe' day after 'The Late Show' finale, revisiting his early roots

Stephen Colbert returned to late-night television just one day after taping the final episode of CBS’ The Late Show, appearing on the Michigan public access programme Only in Monroe on Friday night.

The appearance marked a return to the same show he featured on in 2015, when he first took part in a low-profile segment ahead of his long-running CBS tenure. His latest visit was unannounced, echoing his original appearance more than a decade earlier.

Colbert had referenced the programme during his farewell broadcast from the Ed Sullivan Theatre, saying, “Tonight is our final broadcast from the Ed Sullivan Theater."

He later 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.”

During the Monroe broadcast, Colbert hosted segments including Monroe News and welcomed back rapper Eminem, who had also appeared during his original 2015 visit.

The return comes after CBS confirmed in July that The Late Show would end after 33 years. The network cited financial reasons linked to its parent company Paramount’s proposed $8 billion merger with Skydance.

The decision drew criticism from some observers who suggested political considerations were involved, while CBS stated the cancellation was based on financial factors. Colbert has frequently been a critic of President Donald Trump.

Following the finale, Trump shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social showing himself confronting Colbert on The Late Show set.