How Michigan Became Part Of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show Legacy

If you’re a fan of 'The Late Show' on CBS like I am, tonight is the heartbreaking end of an era. David Letterman launched the late night show back in 1993 and captivated America and the world. He was known for throwing cue cards and pencils, his famous Top 10 List, Stupid Pet Tricks, and of course throwing things off the top of the Ed Sullivan Theater.

David Letterman Started The Late Show Legacy

'The Late Show with David Letterman' first aired on August 30, 1993. After a wildly successful run that included numerous Primetime Emmy wins, Dave retired with his last show airing on May 20, 2015. During that final broadcast, he congratulated Stephen Colbert and wished him well as the show’s new host.

Stephen Colbert Took Over The Late Show In 2015

After working on 'The Dana Carvey Show', 'The Daily Show', and starring on 'The Colbert Report', the new 'Late Show with Stephen Colbert' debuted on September 8, 2015. While preparing for his new hosting duties, he came to Monroe, Michigan to guest host on a public access program where he interviewed Detroit’s own Eminem. It’s crazy to think Stephen Colbert came to Michigan of all places to get ready for the new run of 'The Late Show'.

READ MORE: Michigan's Hot Dog History Discussed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Monday, Stephen aired a special edition called 'The Worst of The Late Show' where he shared jokes, graphics, bits, and videos that had never been seen before. He also reminded viewers of some of the worst moments that actually aired, including a bit featuring an obnoxious Michigan-based character.

Michigan Somehow Became Part Of Late Show History

Colbert described the character Shreikin’ Joe as a “hard-livin’, hard-rockin’, Hard Rock Café bathroom love makin’ Michigan sleaze guitarist” as a tribute to Kid Rock and Ted Nugent when they were thinking about a possible run for the Michigan Senate.

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He then showed a graph with minute-by-minute ratings showing a huge plunge when Shreikin’ Joe appeared. However, Joe returned for one final appearance on the appropriately named The Worst of The Late Show, and you can see him in the video below at 51:23.

Late Night Hosts Rally Around Stephen Colbert

Tonight, both Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon stepped aside and chose to air reruns instead, encouraging fans to watch the final episode ever of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

READ MORE: Jimmy Fallon Brings The Tonight Show to Detroit

Kimmel jokingly told fans to watch CBS tonight, then added to never watch it again. We wish Stephen Colbert the absolute best, and we know whatever he does next will be great!

UPDATE: The Michigan-based character Shreikin’ Joe appear on the final episode. And within 23 hours of the end of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' on CBS, Stephen was back on the air in the same time slot guest hosting 'Only in Monroe' right here in Michigan.