Stephen Colbert Hosts ‘Only in Monroe’ After Final ‘Late Show’ Episode

Stephen Colbert surprised fans by hosting the ‘Only in Monroe’ community access show in southeast Michigan after wrapping up his final episode of ‘The Late Show’ on CBS. This unexpected appearance followed his last broadcast from the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York.

Joining Colbert was Michigan native Jack White from Detroit, acting as the ‘volunteer music director.’ As they exchanged friendly banter, Colbert commented, ‘Looking forward to hearing some of your music, time permitting,’ which was met with off-camera laughter.

Colbert took the opportunity to include Michigan-centric humor throughout the hour-long program. He interviewed actor Jeff Daniels and included a comedic segment with actor Steve Buscemi. The segment revolved around a fictional pizza place named after Buscemi in Monroe.

Additionally, rapper Eminem appeared on tape as the ‘fire marshal,’ humorously giving approval to burn leftover set pieces. This act was part of a finale involving Colbert, White, and Daniels.

Moreover, Colbert used FaceTime to speak with comedian Byron Allen, who will host ‘Comics Unleashed,’ replacing Colbert’s canceled ‘Late Show.’

The community access program’s regular hosts, Michelle Baumann and former Miss America Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson, participated in a light-hearted segment where they inhaled helium balloons with Colbert. The screen displayed a playful warning: ‘Former professional TV host, do not try this at home.’ They also discussed Baumann’s cancer journey during the broadcast.

This marked Colbert’s second time hosting ‘Only in Monroe.’ During the surprise broadcast, he mentioned his previous hosting stint in 2015, just before he succeeded David Letterman on ‘Late Show.’

Details about where or when the episode was recorded remain unclear. It aired precisely 24 hours after Colbert’s final ‘Late Night’ show. Attempts to reach the community access channel for comments on Saturday were not answered.