Stephen Colbert Welcomes Audience Back to ‘The Late Show’ in a Historic Return to the Ed Sullivan Theater

In a highly anticipated moment for late-night television, Stephen Colbert made his triumphant return to The Late Show stage in front of a fully vaccinated, live audience at the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater on Monday night. The energy in the theater was palpable as Colbert greeted the crowd with his signature wit and warmth. “So… how ya been?” he asked, a simple but meaningful question that captured the moment’s significance—both for him and for the audience.

CNN Business was granted exclusive access to the taping of Colbert’s return, providing a rare glimpse into the atmosphere of the Ed Sullivan Theater, which has been home to The Late Show since Colbert took over for David Letterman in 2015. The theater, located on Broadway, is one of the largest venues for any late-night show, with a capacity of 400 people. While other late-night hosts had welcomed audiences back earlier, Colbert’s return felt particularly momentous, marking the return of a New York institution.

A Momentous Return to the Big Stage

As the pandemic stretched on, many late-night shows had to adapt to a new reality without live audiences. Colbert, known for his quick wit and the energy he draws from his audience, was particularly affected by the absence of live interaction. Monday night’s taping marked the first time since the pandemic began that Colbert performed in front of a full crowd, and the excitement was undeniable. The atmosphere in the Ed Sullivan Theater was unlike any other, with Colbert’s trademark humor amplified by the energy of the audience.

“I’ve covered many The Late Show tapings since Colbert took over for David Letterman in 2015,” said one CNN Business correspondent, reflecting on the many high-profile moments they’ve witnessed during Colbert’s tenure. “I’ve seen Colbert interview Donald Trump, go late into the night live after the Republican National Convention, and even drink wine with former FBI director James Comey. However, none of those moments truly matched the energy that was in the Ed Sullivan Theater on Monday night.”

Colbert’s Unmistakable Impact

The return of a live audience marked more than just a technical return to normalcy for The Late Show—it was symbolic of Colbert’s broader influence on late-night television. From political satire to lighthearted comedy, Colbert’s approach to late-night hosting has evolved alongside the political and social landscape. His ability to blend humor with insightful commentary has made The Late Show a staple of American television.

Throughout the pandemic, Colbert’s monologues had been broadcast from his home, offering a more intimate look at his persona. While those episodes were successful in their own right, there’s no denying that the infectious energy of a live audience brings something unique to the show. The return to the Ed Sullivan Theater represents the reopening of a cultural space, a return to the live, interactive form of television that had been missed by both hosts and viewers alike.

The New York Institution Reborn

The Ed Sullivan Theater, an iconic New York venue that has hosted musical legends and television broadcasts for decades, is not just a backdrop for The Late Show—it is part of the show’s identity. Having an audience return to this stage brought a sense of nostalgia, and the packed house of enthusiastic, vaccinated attendees was a reminder of the city’s resilience and return to normalcy.

As Colbert welcomed his audience back, there was a palpable sense of excitement that reverberated throughout the theater. The sound of laughter, applause, and genuine audience interaction added a level of dynamism to the taping that had been sorely missed. In many ways, the moment felt like the end of an era of isolation and the beginning of a new chapter for both Colbert and the late-night format itself.

What’s Next for The Late Show?

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As Colbert continues his reign as late-night’s political satirist, this return to a live audience signals a renewed sense of hope for late-night television. With the pandemic reshaping much of the entertainment industry, the energy and connection of a live crowd are more precious than ever.

For Colbert, this return to the stage may be more than just a comeback; it is a reminder of the impact late-night television has on our culture. The laughter, the conversation, and the shared moments between Colbert and his audience serve as an antidote to the chaos of the outside world, reminding viewers that laughter—and the connection it brings—is a vital part of life.

As The Late Show moves forward, Colbert’s return to the big stage signals that late-night television is once again alive and thriving, ready to tackle the issues of the day with humor, grace, and the energy of a live, engaged audience.