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How Stephen Colbert Ended 'The Late Show' With Help From Paul McCartney, Ryan Reynolds & More
Stephen Colbert didn't stay away from TV very long—or even a full day.
Less than 24 hours after the Late Show host said goodbye to his long-running CBS talk show on May 21, he returned to late-night television, appearing as a host on Only in Monroe, a public access program in Monroe, Michigan.
"Since I was last here in Monroe, Michigan, I spent 11 years as the primary host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, which came to an end last night," Stephen shared at the top of the May 22 program. "It's been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV, so I am grateful to be able to be here on Monroe Community Media before they also get acquired by Paramount."
During his hour-long stint on the community TV show, the Emmy winner brought out famous Michiganders Jack White and Jeff Daniels, while fellow known natives Steve Buscemi and Eminem popped up in pre-taped appearances. But that wasn't all, as Stephen also briefly chatted with his Late Show successor Byron Allen via FaceTime and Only in Monroe's usual hosts Michelle Baumann and Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson.
After discussing local issues in a late-night-style monologue, doing shots with Michelle and Kaye and trying Jeff's viral Colbert Questionert sandwich, the episode ended with Stephen, Jeff, Jack and the Only in Monroe hosts destroying the show's set and tossing everything into a dumpster.
While Stephen's appearing on TV less than a day after the final Late Show episode came as a surprise, it shouldn't have. After all, the comedian himself told his viewers they would possibly find him on the local program.
"Tonight is our final broadcast from the Ed Sullivan Theater," he told his audience during his last monologue on the May 21 show. "We were lucky enough to be here for the last 11 years, all right? Can't take this for granted."
He continued, "Though technically our first show in July of 2015 was from a public access station in Monroe, Michigan, for an audience of 12 people."
Stephen—who began hosting The Late Show in 2015 following David Letterman's exit shortly after his first Only in Monroe guest hosting gig—then teased he would be going back to his roots and would pop up on the public TV program.
"Show business being what it is these days," he said, "that's probably where you’ll see me next."
YouTube/Monroe Community Media
And while Stephen is a comedian after all, he wasn't joking around.
Yet, during his official late-night send-off the day prior, Stephen emphasized that bringing humor and happiness to viewers has always been at the Late Show's core.
"This show has been a joy for us to do for you," he said. "We call it ‘The Joy Machine,’ because to do this many shows, it has to be a machine. But the thing is, if you choose to do it with joy, it doesn't hurt as much when your fingers get caught in the gears."
Following The Late Show's cancellation, read on to learn the fate of more of your favorite television shows.
Netflix
ENDING: Emily in Paris
It's time to say "au revoir" to Emily Cooper. Netflix announced season six of the Lily Collins-starring series, set in Greece, will be its last.
Disney/Steve Wilkie
RENEWED: The Testaments
Blessed be this news. The Handmaid's Tale spinoff starring Chase Infiniti was renewed for a sophomore season.
Apple TV+
RENEWED: Margo's Got Money Troubles
The Apple TV freshman comedy series starring Elle Fanning will return for season two.
Netflix
ENDING: The Lincoln Lawyer
Court will be adjourned for the Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, with the Netflix legal drama's fifth season serving as its last.
Netflix
RENEWED: Quarterback
Netflix's docuseries following the NFL's top-tier athletes will return for season three.
Netflix
RENEWED: Love Is Blind
Love Is Blind is shipping out to Boston.
Netflix confirmed the series—which premiered on the streamer in 2020—has been renewed for season 11, set in the Massachusetts capital.
Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix
RENEWED: Running Point
Kate Hudson's sports comedy scored a slam dunk with season three renewal.
Netflix
RENEWED: Big Mistakes
Dan Levy's Netflix comedy will take fans on another wild ride during season two.
Netflix
RENEWED: My Life With the Walter Boys
The coming-of-age series was renewed for season four at Netflix.
Kareem Black/Bravo via Getty Images
RENEWED: Summer House
See the fallout from Amanda Batula, West Wilson and Ciara Miller's love triangle scandal continue to play out when the hit Bravo series returns for season 11.
Courtesy FOX
CANCELED: So You Think You Can Dance
Nearly two years after the 18th season of So You Think You Can Dance aired, Fox president Rob Wade confirmed, per Variety, "there’s no plans to order another season."
However, the network noted it had not completely shut off the music, with Wade adding, "We’ve had conversations about it, but nothing formal."
Koury Angelo/Bravo
RENEWED: The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City
Get excited, baby gorgeous. Utah's iconic Housewives are returning for season seven on Bravo.
Bravo
RENEWED: Below Deck Down Under
Bravo is setting sail on season five of the travel reality show.
Courtesy FOX
CANCELED (FOR NOW): So You Think You Can Dance
The dance competition series' fate hangs in the air following season 18, as Fox Television President Rob Wade confirmed in May that "right now, there’s no plans to order another season."
Bravo
RENEWED: Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition
A new batch of Real Housewives stars will switch places with real-life moms when season two premieres on Bravo.
Bravo/NBCUniversal
RENEWED: Southern Charm
These Charmers aren't going anywhere. Charleston's beloved socialites will spill more sweet tea during season 13 on Bravo.
Oxygen
RENEWED: Killer Grannies
Oxygen's true-crime series hosted by June Squibb will document more murderous grandmas during season two.
Bravo
RENEWED: Married to Medicine
Bravo's long-running reality series was renewed for lucky number season 13.
Bravo
RENEWED: The Valley: Persian Style
Buckle up for more drama when season two debuts.
FX
ENDING: The Bear
Goodbye, chef. FX announced the culinary drama's upcoming fifth season will be its last.
Oxygen
RENEWED: The Death Investigator With Barbara Butcher
Oxygen's true crime series will be back for season two.
Oxygen/NBCUniversal
RENEWED: Prosecuting Evil With Kelly Siegler
Kelly Siegler will be back on the case when season three debuts on Oxygen.
Bravo/NBCUniversal
RENEWED: Top Chef
Bravo is cooking up more culinary competition because Top Chef will be back for season 24.
Disney
RENEWED: Scrubs
ABC's revival of the medical comedy will return for season two.
Netflix
RENEWED: Stranger Things: Tales From '85
The animated spinoff will investigate new supernatural mysteries in Hawkins during season two.
Amazon MGM Studios
RENEWED & ENDING: From
The Sci-Fi horror series starring Harold Perrineau will return for a fifth and final season on MGM+.
Virginia Sherwood/PEACOCK
CANCELED: Law & Order: Organized Crime
The Law & Order spinoff starring Christopher Meloni was canceled by NBC and Peacock following five seasons.
Darren Goldstein/CBS
RENEWED: Sheriff Country
The sheriffs are back on duty when season two debuts.
Mark Schafer/CBS
RENEWED: CIA
CBS' top CIA agents will be back on the case when they return for another season.
Michael Parmelee/CBS
RENEWED: Elsbeth
Carrie Preston's quirky alter-ego will return with the CBS show's fourth season.
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