Stephen Colbert made a triumphant return to late-night television as a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! following his recent Emmy win. This appearance marked his first since CBS axed his show earlier this year. Kimmel warmly welcomed Colbert, joking that his return was akin to a shark returning to familiar waters. The interview steered clear of extended political commentary, offering a lighter tone as Colbert reflected on his time away from the daily news grind.
Colbert, visibly relaxed and cheerful after his Emmy victory, engaged in playful banter with Kimmel. The conversation veered towards personal topics, notably Colbert’s beard, which he humorously revealed his wife disliked due to its prickliness affecting their kisses. In a light-hearted moment, Kimmel offered to shave off Colbert’s beard on air, a promise fulfilled amidst laughter and jokes about preserving the shorn hair for historical significance in late-night lore.
Apart from his Emmy success, Colbert also shared insights into a film project he is developing with his son, Peter McGee, centered around J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Despite no television project announcement, Colbert humorously mentioned his surplus of free time post-show cancellation, emphasizing the newfound liberty to explore and travel without nightly commitments. The interview concluded with a gesture of goodwill as Colbert gifted Kimmel a Captain America shield prop, now a part of Kimmel’s set.
CBS’s decision to cancel The Late Show last summer raised eyebrows, with many questioning the timing following Colbert’s public criticism of Paramount Global’s settlement with former President Donald Trump. The move was officially attributed to financial reasons, but speculation persisted regarding potential political motivations.