Former “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert made a comeback to late-night television as a guest on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following his recent Emmys win. This marked his first late-night appearance since CBS canceled his show earlier this year. Colbert received a warm welcome from the audience, with Kimmel humorously likening his return to “a shark returning to the ocean where he belongs.”
During the interview, Kimmel observed that Colbert appeared happier and healthier without the daily news cycle pressure. Colbert expressed his relief at no longer having to consume negative news every night, describing the break from the news as a positive change in his life.
While there were brief mentions of U.S. President Donald Trump in Kimmel’s monologue, the interview itself steered clear of political commentary. Instead, viewers got to see a relaxed and cheerful Colbert, focusing on humor rather than political satire that had been a trademark of his show for years.
The conversation shifted to personal topics, including Colbert’s beard, which his wife dislikes due to its prickliness affecting their kisses. After joking about shaving it off if he won an Emmy, Colbert agreed to have Kimmel shave it live on air, creating a light-hearted moment.
Colbert also shared details about a movie project he is working on with his son, a new venture away from television. He joked about having more free time now and the liberty to travel without the nightly show commitments.
The interview concluded with Colbert presenting Kimmel with a prop Captain America shield, which Kimmel promptly displayed on his set. After a decade of delivering political comedy nightly, Colbert seemed content to step back and enjoy being a guest on the show.
CBS had announced the cancellation of “The Late Show” last summer, citing financial reasons. However, the timing, coming shortly after Colbert criticized the parent company for settling a lawsuit with Trump, raised suspicions of a political motive among viewers and commentators.
