Stephen Colbert cancels ‘Late Show’ episodes over health emergency - ToolKiton
Stephen Colbert, the host of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on CBS, has announced that he has to cancel his shows for this week due to a COVID-19 infection. Find out how he is coping with the virus and what his fans and colleagues are saying.
Colbert's COVID Crisis: How the Late Show Host is Coping with the Virus
Stephen Colbert, the host of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” on CBS, has announced that he has to cancel his shows for this week due to a COVID-19 infection. Colbert, who is 59 years old, revealed his diagnosis on Monday, October 17, 2023, through his show’s official Instagram account. He wrote, “Sorry to say that I have to cancel our shows this week. Resting up so that I can deliver the hand crafted, artisanal talk show that we so enjoy serving you. In the meantime, a heady blend of Paxlovid and onions in my socks (thank you, Fallon) will be rebuilding my immune system.”
Colbert also shared a video of himself from his home, where he explained that he had mild symptoms such as a “flaming throat, a little sweaty, coughy.” He joked that he should have something new, like COVID-23, since it was already 2023. He said that he learned something interesting about COVID protocols, which still required him to test negative before returning to the Ed Sullivan Theater, where he tapes his show.
On Tuesday, October 18, 2023, Colbert posted another message on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, saying that he was unable to do the show that day as well. He wrote, “I always want to be able to do the show the audience deserves, but today Covid had other plans. Taking it day by day and I hope we can all see each other tomorrow night.”
However, on Wednesday, October 19, 2023, Colbert announced that he had a possible COVID relapse and had to postpone his show again. He wrote, “WORST. SEQUEL. EVER.” He also apologized to his fans and guests, who included Rachel Maddow, Daniel Radcliffe, and the original members of Talking Heads. He said that he hoped to be back soon and thanked everyone for their support and well wishes.
Colbert’s COVID-19 infection came as a surprise to many, as he was fully vaccinated and boosted. He also followed strict safety measures on his show, such as wearing a mask, testing regularly, and limiting the audience capacity. He was one of the first late-night hosts to resume live shows with a full audience in June 2021, after more than a year of doing remote shows from his home.
Colbert is not the only late-night host to contract COVID-19 recently. Jimmy Kimmel, the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC, also tested positive for the virus in September 2023, which led to the cancellation of a live event in Las Vegas featuring him, Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon, the host of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on NBC. The event, called Strike Force Five, was supposed to raise money for charity and celebrate the return of live entertainment.
Colbert’s fans and colleagues have expressed their concern and sympathy for him on social media, wishing him a speedy recovery and praising his humor and resilience. CBS also posted a message on X, saying, “Feel better Stephen!”.
Conclusion:
Stephen Colbert, one of the most popular and influential late-night hosts in America, has been forced to cancel his shows for this week due to a COVID-19 infection. Despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, Colbert tested positive for the virus and experienced mild symptoms. He has been updating his fans and followers on his condition through social media, where he has also shown his trademark wit and humor. Colbert has received an outpouring of support and well wishes from his fans and colleagues, who hope that he will recover soon and return to the Ed Sullivan Theater. Colbert's COVID-19 infection is a reminder that the pandemic is not over yet, and that everyone should continue to follow the health guidelines and get vaccinated.