The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Premieres

“I used to play a narcissistic conservative pundit, now I’m just a narcissist”

The man we’ve missed seeing daily has finally returned. The Late Show opened with Colbert singing 'The Star-Spangled Banner' in different parts of the country with various citizens of the country. Jon Stewart made a quick appearance at the end and endured a tear or two from yours truly.

Colbert then came literally bounding out on the stage with the MOST energy I’ve seen in a late night host. The audience joined in a Stephen chant, reminiscent of his Colbert Report days. I hope that chant never ends.

The opening credits was a miniature version of New York, with Colbert as the announcer and on rooftops. It was adorable and lovely in every way.

He gave a nice little speech to thank Dave Letterman to start the show.

They had a running gag about how they’ll switch the show over to The Mentalist if it starts going bad (The Mentalist is what they’ve had playing in the time slot all summer).

Jimmy Fallon made an appearance from his studio, and the two had an amicable exchange that hopefully puts to rest the claims that Colbert will start a Late Night War (siiiiigh, lazy journalism that’s enough).

He had an entertaining story about how he sold his soul to a demon to get the Late Show, and now has to do his bidding.

When they returned from the first commercial they had a spot for graphics a-la-Report and did some political news, truly sticking to his roots. I mean, on what other show will the host eat two packs of Oeros while talking about Donald Trump?

George Clooney was his first guest, and their interview was light hearted and fun. Since Clooney didn’t have a film to plug, they actually made one up, poking fun at Tom Cruise along the way.

Jeb Bush was the show’s first political candidate, and Colbert asked him both entreating and important questions, just as we expect him to do. 

The musical numbers at the end were a medley performed by multiple artists, with Colbert joining in as well. 

The final moment of the show had Colbert putting his things away in a locker, with a picture of Jon Stewart taped to the side, and then he said goodbye to Fallon, who was putting his away in a locker with a picture of Colbert. I mean, COME ON.

I like the aesthetic they have going. From the set, to the desk, to the music and the logo. Everything works and it all just fits so well with Colbert and his personality.
Overall, the parts of Colbert that initially drew us to him in the Report are genuinely parts of the real Colbert. He’s energetic, quick, smart, and still funny as ever. He’s still a nerd who loves talking about being a nerd, but he’s more himself now. If anything, the real Colbert could be even better than the character. 

He also just seemed so genuinely happy and excited to be there. His happiness was contagious, and you couldn’t help but smile watching him. He could possibly be just the thing late night tv needed, and I cannot wait to see what he does.

Congrats, Stephen, here’s to one trillion more years as host.