Stephen Colbert is pulling out all the stops as "The Late Show" prepares to air its last episode this Thursday, May 21. The beloved talk show, which has entertained audiences for over three decades, is coming to a close, but Colbert isn't bowing out quietly. With a mischievous sparkle in his eye, he's releasing a collection of previously unaired sketches on YouTube, ensuring fans have one final laugh before the curtain falls.
In a delightful twist, Colbert dedicated Monday's episode to showcasing these hidden gems, aptly titled "The Worst Of The Late Show." The entire episode is now available on YouTube, offering an hour-long feast of the "best worst stuff" the show's team has crafted over the years. As Colbert quipped during his relaxed opening monologue, "We definitely have enough material for a 'Best Of' clip show. But y'all got YouTube. You do it."
"When I watched it, I said, 'Those actors are way too attractive for comedy,'" Colbert explained, adding with a chuckle, "You guys ended up just making softcore gravy porn."
Colbert didn't just unveil these treasures; he also dished on why some of the skits never made it to air. For instance, a sketch involving nude male models' painted butts was scrapped due to the surprising outcome of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Meanwhile, a 2023 Thanksgiving bit featuring "erotic body gravy" was deemed too risqué. While casually munching on steamed chicken, Colbert offered these behind-the-scenes tidbits that added to the charm of the episode.
Fans can now revel in these unaired moments, appreciating the comedic genius of Colbert and his team one last time. This playful look back is a fitting tribute to a show that never shied away from pushing the boundaries of late-night television.