The Late Show Extends Hiatus as Stephen Colbert Continues to Recover From Appendix Surgery

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert is taking the week of Nov. 27 off, but Colbert assures viewers it has nothing to do with Thanksgiving Day weekend excess. Rather, the host is recovering from surgery after suffering a ruptured appendix.

“Sorry to say that I have to cancel our shows this week,” the host shared on Threads. “I’m sure you’re thinking, ‘Turkey overdose, Steve? Gravy boat capsize?’ Actually, I’m recovering from surgery for a ruptured appendix. I’m grateful to my doctors for their care and to Evie and the kids for putting up with me. Going forward, all emails to my appendix will be handled by my pancreas.”

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UPDATE: Colbert shared on Threads on Dec. 4 that he was “listening to my doctors and continuing to rest and heal,” and thus won’t return to air as quickly as expected. “Thank you for all your well wishes and I’ll see you soon.”

Although the Nov. 27 episode was already scheduled as a rerun, the following show was set to feature Jennifer Garner and Baz Luhrmann. Wednesday, Patrick Stewart was scheduled to be interviewed, along with a performance (and interview) from former Late Show bandleader Jon Batiste. Barbra Streisand (taking on The Colbert Questionert) and the Frasier revival’s Kelsey Grammer were due to appear Friday. Reruns will now air in their place all week long.

The ruptured appendix is the host’s second medical issue in the last two months. In October, the show canceled a week of programs as Colbert recovered from COVID-19.

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