'The Late Show' Extends Break As Stephen Colbert Recovers From Ruptured Appendix

Comedian Stephen Colbert's health has prompted an extended break for "The Late Show," with a week of reruns. Colbert, recovering from a ruptured appendix, expressed gratitude on social media, stating he's "listening to doctors and continuing to rest."

The lineup shuffle postpones guests like Sarah Paulson and Nicki Minaj. The late-night show host previously shared his post-surgery recovery, thanking his family and joking about emails to his appendix.

As Stephen Colbert recuperates from a ruptured appendix, his show will remain on hiatus. Confirming his absence, Colbert expressed gratitude for the support he has been getting, writing on social media: "I’m listening to my doctors and continuing to rest and heal. Thank you for all your well wishes and I’ll see you soon.”

Per Deadline, CBS also unveiled a week of reruns, postponing guests like Sarah Paulson, Jason Isbell, Mark Ruffalo, Nicki Minaj, Sara Bareilles, and Rep. Liz Cheney. The reruns will feature Kerry Washington, Willie Nelson, Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and other stars.

“The Late Show's” schedule adjustment follows Colbert's revelation about his ruptured appendix, which he revealed after Thanksgiving. He shared on Instagram, “Sorry to say that I have to cancel our shows this week. I’m sure you’re thinking, ‘Turkey overdose, Steve? Gravy boat capsize?’ Actually, I’m recovering from surgery for a ruptured appendix.”

He expressed gratitude to doctors and family, adding: “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.”

The comedian humorously noted, "Going forward, all emails to my appendix will be handled by my pancreas." The host's return date remains uncertain.

Messages of support flooded the comments as fans expressed their well-wishes. One wrote, "Get well soon! We miss you.”

Another fan emphasized how important it is for Colbert to care for his health, stating, "Your health and wellness is a top priority, we will be waiting patiently for your return when you are better.”

Sharing a personal experience, a follower said, "My appendix ruptured 2 years ago and I was down for the count for three weeks. Took me by surprise! Hang in there.”

Grateful for Colbert prioritizing his health, another follower added, "We are missing you, but thank you for listening to your Doctors. This is serious business! Get better,"

"Listen to your doc and more importantly, listen to Evie!" commented another fan.

Colbert's health previously affected the show's production in mid-October when he tested positive for COVID-19. The program was adapted by broadcasting remotely from his home.

A post on October 16 assured viewers that the comedian was okay, stating: "MEANWHILE... 'The Late Show' will look a little bit different tonight because Stephen is At Home with Covid (he’s ok!).” The post continued, per People magazine,  "But be sure to tune in as the show will go on remotely with Monologue, Meanwhile, featuring Jada Pinkett Smith and Ricky Velez. . #whatyearisit?”

During that period, Colbert informed fans of his absence for the week. He wrote on his social media, "Sorry to say, per doctor’s orders, I’m going to be out for the rest of the week. Resting up so that I can deliver the hand-crafted, artisanal talk show that we so enjoy serving you."

He shared a glimpse of his recovery efforts, posting a photo of a care package with a handwritten letter, a new pack of socks, and a bag of onions. The “Pickled” actor thanked fellow late-night host Jimmy Fallon for the thoughtful gift and joked, "In the meantime, a heady blend of Paxlovid and onions in my socks (thank you, Fallon) will be rebuilding my immune system.”

Colbert has hosted “The Late Show” following his role as the host of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" from 2005 to 2014.