A Short Film By Spike Jonze

Director Spike Jonze had a vision for how to open The Late Show, so Stephen said, why not?

Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS.

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Stephen Colbert took over as host of The Late Show on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. Colbert is best known for his work as a television host, writer, actor, and producer, and best known for his charity work teaching English as a second language on Tunisian date farms. Prior to joining the CBS family -- and being officially adopted by network president Les Moonves -- Colbert helmed “The Colbert Report,” which aired nearly 1,500 episodes and required Stephen to wear nearly 1,500 different neckties. The program received two Peabody Awards, two Grammy Awards, and several unwelcome shoulder massages. It won two Emmys for Outstanding Variety Series in 2013 and 2014, both of which appear to have been lost in the move. Colbert is pronounced koʊlˈbɛər, according to Wikipedia. His understudy is William Cavanaugh, who will be hosting The Late Show approximately one third of the time. Good luck, Bill!"

[fidorover]

A powerful message that will inspire countless homeless people to wander into studios and host a TV show.

[ImJakeSrsly]

Wow, the theme song slowed down is really beautiful.

[Mmxxaamm]

DAMN! Colbert acting skills are on point!

Everything Spike touches is gold.

[xusun]

Spike just has the ability to make everyone look so sensitive.

[betomoya]

I love Colbert's "Sure, let's try it" attitude.

[thomaslyon]

The emotion in this film is amazing. It reminds me that we all have the capacity to be cherished, loved, and admired.... but perhaps only by those who are present to see us. I'd love to know what Grover said to Stephen. No doubt words that were inspirational and motivating in a world that is so disillusioned and full of perceived stumbling blocks. But remember... your stumbling blocks are your stepping stones.

Amazing.

[carlostorres]

I have no idea what just happened but I loved it.

[lengyel]

I swear to God Spike Jonze could take a toothpaste commercial and make it poignant.

[ninjaahjumma]

Wow. Just... wow. That was so powerful. Am I the only one who teared up by the end of this? I don't know if Stephen had any input in this, but if he did, it says a whole lot about him. They always say that the best comedians are often the ones with the biggest problems and the worst experiences, and that humour is the only way that they can get out of their heads. Stephen implied as much in the past, but never this explicitly. That first part--him lost in the woods, him walking around aimlessly, him being ignored and ridiculed--are basically Stephen's demons. Grover--probably the child in Stephen or maybe even the funny man in him--is the one who literally takes him by the hand, away from his demons and into comedy and entertainment; into a theatre full of the people who love and admire him. The emotion on Stephen's face when he walked out into that stage--happiness, awe, relief, utmost gratitude--was so very raw and real, because that's probably what he actually feels each and every night when he does this show. To me, this two and a half minute video perfectly sums up The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Well done Stephen. Never forget, you deserve all of this and so much more.

[dudex]

This short film was actually pretty moving. Stephens facial expressions say it all.

[DaynJo]

Brilliant direction, music, and well played Mr Colbert, the looks and facial expressions were spot on.
So touching.

[arpadelluna]

Love Stay Human's melancholy variation on their own music.

[juliaaa]

Damn... that was touching. Great acting and what a lovely song.

[ProfSaxby]

Great job, Grover. In these times we all need more Sesame Street.

[niezaleznitworcy]

The highest form of artism. I love the shots and I love this music. Perfect.

[musicadamcooke]

I have loved this since I first saw it opening Colbert's Late Show just over a year ago. Of course, it appeals to me on a number of levels, not the least of which is my affection for the works of Jim Henson, Frank Oz (and his Grover heir apparent Eric Jacobsen), Spike Jonze and of course Stephen Colbert himself. But the fact that, 14 months later, it is a "go-to" for me in difficult times, speaks volumes about how humour can also heal. Thank you to everyone involved.

[theylied]

This is so weird, the same thing happened to me last week? Except I wasn't in New York, or went on a walk with a Muppet, or host a late night show... but other than that it was an identical experience.

[kh]

Colbert can do no wrong, everything he touches is magic.

[AdlyNdlovu]

the music does the talking. phenomenal piece of art.

[WDSimp]

When Grover pointed toward that doorway I was certain that, this time, I was going to learn how to get to Sesame Street.