Stephen Colbert returned to television just one day after the finale of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, appearing as host of the public access program Only in Monroe in Monroe, Michigan, on Friday, May 22.
During the opening monologue, Colbert addressed the quick turnaround, saying, “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.” The comedian, 62, has a prior connection to the show, having filled in for hosts Michelle Baumann and Kaye Lani Rafko-Wilson in 2015 while preparing for his CBS debut.
Colbert referenced that earlier appearance in his final Late Show monologue, joking that it might be where viewers would see him next. On the Monroe episode he explained, “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.” He added a quip about streaming availability outside the area, noting that CBS had decided not to learn about the technology.
The hour-long special featured discussions of local issues and included several celebrity guests. Jack White served as musical director, while actor Jeff Daniels appeared on the program. Eminem and Steve Buscemi contributed filmed cameos that aired during the episode.
Colbert also interviewed Byron Allen, whose show Comics Unleashed is set to replace The Late Show on CBS. “Byron, have a great show,” Colbert told Allen, 65. “You’re the best, buddy.”
The episode concluded with Colbert, Daniels, 71, and White, 50, burning down the set after receiving approval from “the fire marshal,” identified as Marshall “Eminem” Mathers, 53. Colbert closed by saying, “That’s a wrap. Thanks for watching Only in Monroe and if you watched any of my other talk shows over the years, thanks for watching those too!” He teased a possible return with the line, “Until we see each other again, I’ll be only here, only on Only in Monroe!”
CBS announced in July 2025 that it would end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 broadcast season despite the program’s strong late-night ratings. A network statement at the time described the move as financial and unrelated to performance or content. “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time,” the statement read.
Colbert’s final week on CBS featured high-profile guests including Bruce Springsteen, Ryan Reynolds, and Paul McCartney. During the Thursday finale he included jabs at the network, such as having the band play expensive licensed music and closing with a CGI sequence showing the Ed Sullivan Theater being pulled into a glowing green vortex.
Officials at CBS maintained that the cancellation decision was driven solely by financial considerations. The network expressed pride in Colbert’s tenure, stating he and the broadcast would be remembered among the greats of late-night television.
Colbert’s appearance on Only in Monroe drew on his established ties to the Michigan community media outlet. The program allowed him to engage with local topics while reuniting with figures from his earlier career and current entertainment circles.
Viewers outside Monroe could access the episode through streaming, a point Colbert highlighted in his monologue. The special ran for a full hour and incorporated both live segments and pre-recorded contributions from the celebrity participants.
Industry observers noted the contrast between the high-profile CBS production and the smaller-scale public access format. Colbert’s return underscored his continued presence in television even after the network’s decision to conclude his long-running series.
The Monroe episode provided a lighthearted coda to Colbert’s CBS run, which had dominated late-night ratings for more than a decade. Allen, the incoming host, received a public endorsement from Colbert during the broadcast.
Further appearances by Colbert on Only in Monroe remain unconfirmed, though the comedian left the door open with his closing remarks. The episode aired amid ongoing discussions about the future of late-night programming on broadcast networks.