On the final night of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” the host joked about starting his journey on public access TV in Monroe, Michigan, with only 12 viewers. Surprisingly, just a day later, he returned to Michigan, this time for an hour-long public access show that featured some unexpected guests and plenty of laughs.
Colbert brought along two notable Michigan natives—musician Jack White and actor Jeff Daniels. Eminem and Steve Buscemi made brief appearances through video clips. The atmosphere was lighthearted, with Colbert humorously recounting his time off television after his CBS finale.
He expressed his appreciation for being back on air, saying, “It’s been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV.” He even called his successor, Byron Allen, suggesting he invite the Monroe hosts to join him in New York.
The “Only in Monroe” segment was a throwback to simpler television, almost a parody of itself. Colbert and White’s chemistry felt genuine. They bantered about local favorites, like chili dogs, sharing a moment reminiscent of “Lady and the Tramp” as they bit into one together.
Colbert lightened the mood with a mix of humor on local culture and Michigan folklore. White even contributed fun facts about Bigfoot, noting that there must be at least 150 of them for the species to survive. The blend of comedy and community spirit was refreshing.
In a quirky twist, Buscemi’s appearance was a tongue-in-cheek commercial that listed numerous disclaimers about his non-connection to a local pizzeria sharing his name.
While Colbert had previously focused on broader topics during his CBS tenure, his time in Monroe embraced local humor like the community’s best fish fry competition. His final night wrapped up with a fun set destruction, demonstrating a playful conclusion to an era.
In a changing landscape where public access TV often struggles for relevance, Colbert’s humorous embrace of this format calls back to a simpler time while highlighting the enduring charm of local programming.
This event serves as a reminder of the importance of community in entertainment—a shift many in the industry are revisiting. As public access programming struggles, the unique local flavor can foster connections not just among viewers but also with cultural icons.
For more on Colbert’s antics and the significance of community media, you can explore more here.
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Byron Allen,Jack White,Jeff Daniels,Stephen Colbert,The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
