Stephen Colbert Returns to Monroe: A Post-Late Show Homecoming

Just one night after concluding his 11-year run as the host of The Late Show, Stephen Colbert returned to his roots, appearing once again on the public-access program Only in Monroe in Monroe, Michigan. The appearance served as a nostalgic bookend to his tenure at the Ed Sullivan Theater, mirroring his famous 2015 guest spot on the same local broadcast.

From CBS to Public Access

During his final monologue on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Colbert reflected on his career trajectory. He reminded viewers that his inaugural 2015 appearance on Only in Monroe—which featured Eminem as a guest—served as a low-stakes test run before he took over the Late Show desk. With his CBS contract concluded, Colbert wasted no time returning to the 11:35 p.m. Time slot on the local Michigan station.

“Since I was last here in Monroe, Michigan, I spent 11 years as the primary host of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, which came to an end last night,” Colbert noted during the broadcast. “It’s been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV, so I am grateful to be here on Monroe Community Media.”

A Star-Studded Michigan Reunion

The episode featured a variety of notable guests who joined hosts Michelle Baumann and Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson. Detroit-born musician Jack White served as a volunteer “music director,” managing the show’s audio with a reel-to-reel and a boombox. The program also included appearances by actors Steve Buscemi and Jeff Daniels.

The broadcast leaned heavily into the self-deprecating humor that characterized Colbert’s 2015 visit:

• The Culinary Segment: Jeff Daniels joined the production to lead a cooking segment, teaching the host how to assemble a pita sandwich using leftover refrigerator ingredients.
• Local Flavor: Colbert and Jack White engaged in an extensive conversation regarding chili cheese dogs, ultimately sharing one in a nod to the classic film Lady and the Tramp.
• Commercial Interruption: Steve Buscemi appeared in a segment for the local establishment Buscemi’s, jokingly clarifying to the audience that he maintains no actual connection to the business.

The Final Curtain Call

In a nod to the conclusion of his late-night career, the episode ended with a symbolic gesture. Colbert, White, and Daniels dismantled the makeshift set and prepared to transport it to a nearby dumpster for disposal. Before proceeding, they sought official approval from “the fire marshal”—a role filled by a FaceTime call to Eminem.

The rapper confirmed that the set was cleared for destruction, prompting Colbert to sign off one final time. “Thanks for watching in Only in Monroe, and if you watched any of my other talk shows over the years, thanks for watching those, too,” Colbert said. “Until we see each other again, I’ll be only here, only on Only in Monroe.”

Key Takeaways

• Full Circle: Colbert’s return to Only in Monroe mirrors his pre-CBS debut on the same local access channel in 2015.
• Star Power: The broadcast featured cameo appearances from Jack White, Steve Buscemi, Jeff Daniels, and Eminem.
• The Future: While his CBS tenure has concluded, Colbert used the moment to signal a humorous transition back to his roots in public-access television.