LSSC: Season One All Episodes Talk

[TV-junkie]

Oh my, Donald Trump will be guest when? 22 Sept.? Stephen, what are you doing ...?! Ted Cruz one day earlier ...

 

Look out! The clown car's coming to town ... 

Edited September 18, 2015 by TV-junkie

[stillshimpy]

I guess everyone is entitled to have a bad day, but when I saw the Letterman show, he seemed kind of impatient about coming out beforehand and then proceeded to be a total snot to the audience--who had slept all night on a cold dirty floor in the hall for the privilege.

I didn't have too much trouble keeping down the whoop-whoops.

 

This made me laugh for a good two minutes, thanks for such a good giggle.  That was wonderfully dry-witted.  

 

I don't have a lot to add this time out. I found Carol Burnett's segment incredibly touching.   I also loved the Hunger Games retirement of that Top Tool of Texas. 

 

I'm sort of neither here nor there on the musical segments.  It usually depends on the musical guest for me, but I have been at least a little surprised that they've primarily skewed towards an older audience (don't pelt me with rotten fruit, I'm 48 so ...yeah...I'm not exactly in the prime demographic over here...I'm in the demographic inches away from being pestered by AARP)  and that's surprised me a little.  

Edited September 18, 2015 by stillshimpy

[solotrek]

It shouldn't be THAT hard. Both Tyson AND in fact also Kaku are based in New York.

Kaku's an interesting guy. Stephen should try him if Tyson is booked up.

Not that they really do the same thing. I mean Kaku is a Theoretical Physicist, not an Astrophysicist. But they both have that "translating Science for the common man" aspect to their careers.

When you're busy, you're busy.  Keep in mind that Neil DeGrasse Tyson also tours. He's not always around NYC. So he has to prep for those and travel as well. And I also assume that the AMNH still wants him to do something in regards to the Hayden planetarium. The last show I saw in there (a few weeks ago) was kind of lacking in substance.

 

Don't know about Kaku or his schedule, he hasn't said anything publicly and his book tour ended this past spring.

 

Any scientist who have an ability to convey science to the masses would be nice. Brian Greene (theoretical physicist) and Francis Collins (genetists/head of NIH) were both on Colbert's last TCR and pretty good with that. Heck, there are a ton of great Youtube PhDs with fun channels that are all about doing that, it'd be fun to see one of them on. A new generation of scientists so to speak.

 

But I fear I'm probably in the wrong thread for this discussion and have veered off topic.

 

I enjoyed Trevor Noah and am greatly anticipating his TDS reign to start. None of the music guests have been my type of music per se, but I'm ok with having musical guests in general. One day, maybe it'll be my favorite band and no need to be hypocritical I guess.

 

The show has been able to break from feeling too much like TCR which is a good thing. But at the same time, it seems to lack the "let's get viral on the internet" feeling that the other late night shows seem to have (dumb games with celebrities with Fallon and walk the streets and selectively edit only "dumb people"/someone famous reads a mean tweet with Kimmel). Not sure if that's good or bad.

Edited September 18, 2015 by solotrek

[mtlchick]

 

But at the same time, it seems to lack the "let's get viral on the internet" feeling that the other late night shows seem to have

 

The Spacey poem was making the rounds and so was Amy Schumer getting down with the cake.  I think he will have his own place in the viral world, it just hasn't been defined as to what it is yet. 

[VCRTracking]

I've already seen last night's sketch about Stephen's new "Lifestyle Brand" on a number of sites.

 

 

Anytime you make fun of celebrities' ridiculousness you're going to get some hits!

Edited September 18, 2015 by VCRTracking

[Kromm]

I'm sort of neither here nor there on the musical segments.  It usually depends on the musical guest for me, but I have been at least a little surprised that they've primarily skewed towards an older audience

Haven't there already been like three rap/hip-hop performances already? Does that really skew older these days?

[M. Darcy]

 

But then I'd have to watch Fallon!

Kevin Spacey hosted SNL the year before Jimmy Fallon joined so it's Fallon free!

[mtlchick]

 

I've already seen last night's sketch about Stephen's new "Lifestyle Brand" on a number of sites.

 

I've recently realized that I have a slight crush on Colbert (it only took years to figure it out) and the blue suit in this sketch isn't helping. 

 

Also I had to chuckle that the logo was a centaur holding a polo club.  How Ralph Lauren of him.

Edited September 18, 2015 by mtlchick

[Padma]

I really enjoyed last night's show. Lots of funny bits from SC and two good guests. I have an aversion to Trevor Noah and do not want to watch TDS with him, but in spite of that, I thought he was quite a good guest.  Does Jon Stewart have any production credit on the new TDS? It surprised me that Noah was -his- pick to succeed him.

 

Trump is having a really bad week and I wish he was going to be on tonight (though I'm looking forward to Bernie Sanders - a lot. Not sure about his sense of humor, so his interaction with Colbert will be interesting). I really hope Trump won't cancel the appearance, but it wouldn't surprise me if he does. (And if he doesn't, I hope Stephen isn't inhibited by being with CBS in the Big Time, and will do what he did with GWB at the WH correspondents dinner--go all out mocking Trump, in a witty and irreverent way that is hard to pin down or respond to).

 

That said, while I'm hopeful Stephen will do what others in the media have failed to do, I really think Trump won't be on and will use a business excuse to bow out at the last minute just like he has opted out of the Heritage Fdn debate scheduled for tonight. 

[Clanstarling]

This made me laugh for a good two minutes, thanks for such a good giggle.  That was wonderfully dry-witted.  

 

I don't have a lot to add this time out. I found Carol Burnett's segment incredibly touching.   I also loved the Hunger Games retirement of that Top Tool of Texas. 

 

I'm sort of neither here nor there on the musical segments.  It usually depends on the musical guest for me, but I have been at least a little surprised that they've primarily skewed towards an older audience (don't pelt me with rotten fruit, I'm 48 so ...yeah...I'm not exactly in the prime demographic over here...I'm in the demographic inches away from being pestered by AARP)  and that's surprised me a little.  

I was touched by the Burnett/Spacey moment too. And from someone who's already been there - you'd be surprised at just how close you are to being pestered. The first letter from AARP is shocking.

 

Haven't there already been like three rap/hip-hop performances already? Does that really skew older these days?

I don't think so. Between Paul Simon, Willy and Mellencamp, and Stapleton (country), it seems a fairly eclectic mix.

[stillshimpy]

Well, there was also Mavis Staples and Toby Keith, so when I said primarily, I didn't mean exclusively. 

 

So I was a little surprised that there was quite that much representation of ...uh...more mature tastes?  In a relatively short time window. 

 

And from someone who's already been there - you'd be surprised at just how close you are to being pestered. The first letter from AARP is shocking.

 

I saw an ad for AARP the other day that talked about member benefits and was more of the mindset of "Bring on the discounts! Wooooo!"  :-D 

Edited September 18, 2015 by stillshimpy

[LADreamr]

I'm glad for the diversity in music and guests. So sick of one narrow demographic being treated like it's the only one that matters.

[LJonEarth]

The thing about the music guest is that you always know exactly when to tune out. Same with the other segments of a standard talk show. The thing I like about the Carol Burnett shows is how mixed up the format was. If you were going to wait until after the top of the hour to tune in for the interviews, you would have missed out. And if you aren't a fan of his monologue or desk work, tough, you had to sit through it because it came after some of the interviews.

 

I actually ended up sitting through an enjoyable Kevin Spacey interview that I didn't want to see (love his work, but he gives me the willies) because it was all jumbled with Carol's stuff. And I was kind of waiting for her to come back out again for some reason.

 

If they're not going to have unpredictable interviews, I like the idea of mixing things up with the show format.

[kib]

I'm glad for the diversity in music and guests. So sick of one narrow demographic being treated like it's the only one that matters.

Can I get an amen?

After tonight's show including the "American In Paris" performance. I'm officially on board with the new Late Show.  Lots of yucks, a non-vapid actress, a leading newsmaker and a shot of culture... what more can you ask for?  I'll admit, I was a little nervous CBS would take to the dark side but Colbert seems to be an extraordinary fit for the Tiffany Network.  Bravo, well done!

[EDIT: Too bad it all goes to hell at 12:35]

Edited September 19, 2015 by kib

[kib]

Trump is having a really bad week and I wish he was going to be on tonight (though I'm looking forward to Bernie Sanders - a lot. Not sure about his sense of humor, so his interaction with Colbert will be interesting). I really hope Trump won't cancel the appearance, but it wouldn't surprise me if he does. (And if he doesn't, I hope Stephen isn't inhibited by being with CBS in the Big Time, and will do what he did with GWB at the WH correspondents dinner--go all out mocking Trump, in a witty and irreverent way that is hard to pin down or respond to).

 

That said, while I'm hopeful Stephen will do what others in the media have failed to do, I really think Trump won't be on and will use a business excuse to bow out at the last minute just like he has opted out of the Heritage Fdn debate scheduled for tonight. 

As Dave was fond of saying, the road to the White House goes through the "Late Show" as John McCain learned the hard way...

Edited September 19, 2015 by kib

[jjj]

[EDIT: Too bad it all goes to hell at 12:35]

Ain't that the truth.  What a disappointment. 

[shok]

[EDIT: Too bad it all goes to hell at 12:35]

 

What happened?

[Kromm]

Ain't that the truth.  What a disappointment. 

 

What happened?

I doubt Kib means anything specific.  Just that the talent level of the host goes down by a few hundred percent at 12:35.

[possibilities]

I wish Lupita's show got parallel promotion to "American in Paris." It's like Colbert didn't care at all what she was doing, which would actually have been okay with me if that was how he treated all the entertainment/celebrity guests. But apparently he had zero interest in one production and starry eyes for the other. It came off insulting, because of the blatant ignoring of one followed by the blatant gushing over the other.

 

I'm going to officially put this show in the same hopper with all the other carbon copies, which I only watch when they have a particularly interesting guest or my insomnia is particularly bad. He's funny sometimes, but it's all so bland. Even someone like Sanders, who is a controversial person, comes across bland with the "real Stephen" reaction, which was practically robotic and made Colbert once again look bored to the point of near stupor.

 

I liked "Stephen's Lifestyle Brand" but it's not great enough to make me sit through an entire show.

[Muffyn]

I am finding this show better and better.  I just caught the show with Trevor Noah and Secretary General Moon and really enjoyed both interviews.  Steven seems to be calming down and settling into the show quite well.  Then I watched Lupita Nyongo and Bernie Sanders. I enjoyed both, very different, interviews. Lupita's funny walk was so silly.  Frankly, I found myself laughing out loud several times in each episode.  I am really happy Steven has taken over the Late Show.  

[Kromm]

I am finding this show better and better.  I just caught the show with Trevor Noah and Secretary General Moon and really enjoyed both interviews.  Steven seems to be calming down and settling into the show quite well.  Then I watched Lupita Nyongo and Bernie Sanders. I enjoyed both, very different, interviews. Lupita's funny walk was so silly.  Frankly, I found myself laughing out loud several times in each episode.  I am really happy Steven has taken over the Late Show.  

Agreed. They're quickly getting a real handle on this show (both Stephen and his writers and crew). He's embarrassing that idiot Fallon more and more with the difference each night.  Even Stephen's extemporaneous stuff is getting better and better. He's found the "character" to do the desk bits, that's neither "Stephen Colbert: American" nor the awkward guy we got the first few nights. It's very confident--just the pure number of really funny asides that he does quite casually now (whereas Fallon still manages to sound like a real dumpkoff if he has to go off his script even a little bit).

Edited September 19, 2015 by Kromm

[amsel]

I agree about Fallon being extremely inarticulate when off script. It's one of the many reasons I stopped watching that show.

Stephen is doing great. Even the weird stuff, like the short monologue, are making sense now.

I just wish he stopped that leg kick dance. It's not really interesting, nor funny.

[stillshimpy]

I'm glad for the diversity in music and guests. So sick of one narrow demographic being treated like it's the only one that matters.

 

But that's primarily what the show is doing, isn't it?  It's skewing heavily in the direction of an older demographic in terms of tastes.  Don't get me wrong, it is ludicrous that the allegedly prime demographic are people in their twenties.  Realistically speaking, the only people who have much discretionary money (which is what advertisers try to court) are people in the 40+ demographic.   

 

So that's actually why it is bugging me a little bit that the music is skewing to an older (than traditionally considered prime) demographic.   It's just seems so calculated vs. showcasing musical talent.   I guess realistically that's all talk-shows really do: market movies when celebrities come on, or innovations when tech gurus are on.  I guess I should be pleased that when the balance of the musical guests weighs more heavily in the direction of older, because we are ridiculously youth obsessed nation (and again, that's usually the demographic that has very little disposable income).   The only reason it's even pinging my radar as odd is that it does feel, to me, like "Oh, I am now quite aware that this show exists to sell me things and it feels kind of....not great." 

 

Admittedly, Colbert is openly goofing on precisely that with things like the Lifestyle bit, so he's not just rolling with it.  I have just never associated Stephen Colbert with promoting anything other than ...satirical news treatment, I suppose.  It feels incongruous to me.  

 

It's not bad, or good, it's just oddly unsettling to me in how I have viewed Stephen.  It's also probably just silly levels of naive on my part that it didn't occur to me beforehand.  It's a big gig because it involves buckets of money and those buckets of money come from somewhere and exist from something. 

 

Trevor Noah's interview was fun.  I'm still just trying to willfully ignore the Tweet-scandal to see if I can give him a chance.  He went a way towards repairing some of that damage and my husband and I were discussing the fact that being from South Africa actually likely influenced some of the material he chose.  So we'll see.  

 

I'm actually far into the "Dreading Trump's Appearance" woods over here.  Even Stephen has to attempt to be polite and deferential to that human troll doll, I think my head will explode. 

Edited September 19, 2015 by stillshimpy

[Padma]

The improvement since the first show has been very impressive. I'd even forgotten how hyper Stephen (or "Stephen") seemed that night; every night since has been an improvement in some way and this week watching was really enjoyable--I have few suggestions other than minor things. Overall, I'm just impressed by how he's arrived in prime time--intelligent, funny, mildly different and very watchable.

 

I'm at the other end of the spectrum regarding Trump's appearance--I'm hoping Stephen will go full on White House Correspondents Dinner for the occasion. I know that's not really possible, but if you can take on the President of the United States when he's sitting 5 feet from you, surely you can take on Donald Trump across the desk.  I'm hoping that's the reason they didn't even mention (much less mock) the GOP debate--or mention Trump's disgraceful Town hall meeting.  I hope they are lulling him into a false sense of security, in the hope he won't cancel and perhaps won't even have much idea what the show is like now.  

 

I think Colbert knows what an opportunity it is to have Trump on right now and I hope, unlike Fallon, he has the guts to take it.  (Mocking him humorously in the monologue or in a pre-recorded rip on things he's said, for example, would be a good way to bait him before the interview). Someone really has to stop letting Trump run roughshod over every interview and it would be great if it were Stephen, doing it on CBS. 

Edited September 19, 2015 by Padma

[peeayebee]

I just wish he stopped that leg kick dance. It's not really interesting, nor funny.

I love the leg kicking. It's goofy and happy.

 

Another good show. I loved the compilation of various media folk being perplexed about Bernie Sanders' popularity, capped by the movie clip of the girl screaming, "WHAT'S HAPPENING!?" I also loved the whole segment about that woman's viagra med, Flibanseria? Very well done. Bonerology also cracked me up, as did the remark about taking ecstasy and going into a bouncy castle.

 

Lupita Nyong'o is a great interview. Her silly walk was very silly and fun. Oh, and I know Stephen was speaking off the top of his head, but no, she's not the first Oscar winner on your show. Kevin Spacey is a two-time winner.

 

I enjoyed the American in Paris dance, but I HATED the direction. It's a pet peeve of mine. I want the camera to stay put so I can see the whole dance. I don't need or want a closeup of their hands or faces. I don't need an overhead shot or a shot from the left or right. Just let me watch them dance so I can see their whole bodies move. That's the point. Grrrr.

[Muffyn]

Clooney has two Oscars also, so the first two weeks have been Academy Award winner filled.  

 

The dance for An American in Paris was really beautiful.  I agree, the direction was off.  I don't mind the occasional closeup but the timing was off for many of the close shots.  Still, this was a great change to the show closing number.  I would also like it if they occasionally ended with a new comic.  So many comics used to get known through late show appearances.  

[Kromm]

But that's primarily what the show is doing, isn't it?  It's skewing heavily in the direction of an older demographic in terms of tastes.

With apologies, I honestly think you're pulling this conclusion out of nowhere.

 

Since you are stuck somewhat on the musical guests, lets go through them one by one.

 

• Mavis Staples & Friends - Certainly R&B/Blues skews older, but there's also a timeless/generation crossing aspect to it. Plus the "& Friends" component included some (much) younger performers
• Kendrick Lamar - A performer who the older crowd probably wouldn't even listen to--a lot of channels got changed by those folks when he came on.
• Toby Keith - It's shit-kicker music that primarily appeals to white guys in their 30s and 40s. Older? Yes, but it's Gen X, and maybe Gen Y to some degree, not Baby Boomers. But yes, the Millenials get left out here.
• Troubled Waters - Okay, undeniably Paul Simon skews old.  Very old.
• The Dead Weather - You can't possibly argue this skews old.
• Run the Jewels with TV on the Radio - Again, I can't see how you could argue this skews old.
• Willie Nelson & John Mellencamp - Yes, very old.
• Chris Stapleton - Probably skews a little younger than that puffed up balloon, Toby Keith, even if it's still Country.
• An American in Paris‍  - It's hard to say where a dance performance falls on this scale.

 

Seems to me to be a fairly even split. 3 young skewing acts, 3 that probably skew fairly old, and a few in the middle.

[Clanstarling]

I enjoyed the American in Paris dance, but I HATED the direction. It's a pet peeve of mine. I want the camera to stay put so I can see the whole dance. I don't need or want a closeup of their hands or faces. I don't need an overhead shot or a shot from the left or right. Just let me watch them dance so I can see their whole bodies move. That's the point. Grrrr.

I complained about the camera angles through the entire dance. It's choreographed and meant to be viewed from a single perspective (given that it's a stage production) and I wanted to see it that way. It isn't a musical production where you give each musician a bit of time on camera.

[stillshimpy]

With apologies, I honestly think you're pulling this conclusion out of nowhere.

 

No, it's cool, Kromm.  I get what you're saying.  There have been at least two acts that skew much, much younger.  

 

I don't agree about Toby Keith or Chris Stapleton, but I could be wrong.  I always think of country as skewing to (sticking to a nicer term) more mature audience, but that doesn't mean I'm right.   Toby Keith in particular was the guy who sounded like Kenny Rogers ingested Jimmy Buffet and produced him in the aftermath...which is not a bad thing...but that is why I had the ....sticking with...."well that's going to appeal to the AARP crowd" impression. 

 

I fully get, by the way, that you vehemently disagree and we're just going to have to agree to disagree on this one with no need to apologize.  I respect your viewpoint, I just don't share it in this instance. 

 

 

 

An American in Paris‍  - It's hard to say where a dance performance falls on this scale.

 

Well, I think likely older, but full disclosure here, I have a 25-year-old son (who is not much of the "shit kicker music, woooooo!" type despite being in Colorado) and I bet he would have enjoyed it, even if he wouldn't necessarily seek it out if I wasn't around.   However, he's not representative of all guys in his demographic, just representative of himself. 

 

The thing is saying something skews older is not the same thing as insulting it. 

 

ETA:  Admittedly, my incredibly in-depth research has consisted of texting with my son, who then apparently has been poling his roommates and his current girlfriend.   

 

On Toby Keith he answered that "Yeah, my dad loves him."  (my ex-husband, as opposed to the husband to whom I refer a great deal )...but when I asked him "Hey, do you know who Paul Simon is?"  the answered boiled down to (paraphrase) "What the hell, mom?  Of course I do.  The man is a legend"....and then he expressed surprise that he's alive (*facepalm*) ....and as a parent, I am ashamed to admit this, he didn't know who Carol Burnett was (*head desk*) . 

Edited September 19, 2015 by stillshimpy

[LADreamr]

But to separate music groups by generation also suggests those group are monolithic in their tastes. I'm in my 40s, but my musical interests range from long before I was born to current music. And while I don't care for country music or much rap (but mostly because of many of the attitudes in each), I'm very open to hearing new things. My Spotify playlist is all over the map. And every generation has teenagers who are more about the Beatles than anything current. I don't think it's fair to pigeonhole any group. I think this is one of the few shows where we'll get this kind of range of artists, and I appreciate that it's that, and not another one that only cares about what the kids are into this week.

Edited September 20, 2015 by LADreamr

[Clanstarling]

But to separate music groups by generation also suggests those group are monolithic in their tastes. I'm in my 40s, but my musical interests range from long before I was born to current music. And while I don't care for country music or much rap (but mostly because of many of the attitudes in each), I'm very open to hearing new things. My Spotify playlist is all over the map. And every generation has teenagers who are more about the Beatles than anything current. I don't think it's fair to pigeonhole any group. I think this is one of the few shows where we'll get this kind of range of artists, and I appreciate that it's that, and not another one that only cares about what the kids are into this week.

You have a point. I think part of it is the type of music we heard while growing up. My parents played the 40's standards, blues, and traditional country, but my contemporary music was rock, nudging into disco. My kids were raised with rock - we rejected children's artist Raffi in favor of Tom Petty, the Eagles, etc. (which they still listen now that they are in their 20's).

 

I like the range we're seeing - even if some of the "younger" acts aren't anything I want to listen to - but I give it a few minutes because sometimes I like them very much, even though I'm an AARP qualifying old fart.

 

I also liked that Stephen brought in a dance number from a play, instead of the usual stand and play musical set. Something different, and reminiscent of the variety shows of old.

Edited September 20, 2015 by clanstarling

[LADreamr]

Exactly. Also, I'm hoping Jon Batiste will bring in some New Orleans musicians. There are some wonderful ones there who don't get much attention outside of that area.

[avecsans]

To me there has already been a huge improvement in the show. Stephen's energy is not as manic as in the beginning. I loved that he took a back seat to the touching carol Burnett/Kevin spacey moment. (And I am old enough to remember that she loved Jimmy Stewart and to remember him reading his poems on the tonight show so I admit getting a little choked up. ). Carol Burnett is such a funny, classy woman. Love her.

I get why people didn't like how the ballet was presented but I loved it. I have two left feet and I am in awe of professional dancers. I hope showcasing Broadway performances becomes a regular thing. I would prefer that to stand up comedy.

John Mellencamp, is there ever a situation where gum chewing would be inappropriate for you? And that song was much too bluesy and subdued for him.

[peeayebee]

I forgot about that. I was surprised he could sing with gum in his mouth.

[Milburn Stone]

I could be wrong, but I thought I caught a nanosecond of a promo saying "Late Show with Colbert, new Tuesday!" Is he not on this Monday for some reason?

[LADreamr]

He's on, on Monday. Trump's on this Tuesday. Could it have been about that?

[Milburn Stone]

Probably was that. I only caught the last seconds of it, so didn't hear anything about Trump. Thanks.

[Kromm]

No, it's cool, Kromm.  I get what you're saying.  There have been at least two acts that skew much, much younger.

I count at least three, not two, but I guess that's subjective.

I do get that it's POSSIBLE for the show to skew even younger with music acts than Kendrick Lamaar, Dead Weather and Run With The Jewels, but a lot of them are going to tend to be crap.

 

I'm sure you'll get your wish eventually and the likes of Beiber will be on. If we're lucky instead maybe they'll get Macklemore & Lewis.

 

And of course some bookings are a challenge. Having One Direction on, for example, would take quite a lot of prep work.

 

Really the big pop names in this arena require something to push to fly to New York. But also most of these people ALREADY go on Fallon and Kimmel. I can sense that the bookers on Colbert's show are trying to go outside the box a little, rather than slamming us with the same pop-tarts the other shows already book. That's skewing older in part, but also the likes of Lamaar or Run With the Jewels or The Dead Weather probably don't usually get on network TV.

The amount of Country music we've already has annoys me as (mostly) not a fan. But if they want to skew younger with Country there are STILL acts like The Band Perry or Kacey Musgraves, who wiggle out of the shit-kicking arena into Alt-Country (which also has older artists, but these two are on the younger end of Alt-Country).

Edited September 20, 2015 by Kromm

[lookeyloo]

Mr Lookeyloo and I are surely not in the target demographic (being considered "elderly") but we are big fans of TCR and are enjoying this show. We usually FF through the music guests anyway so don't mind them at the end. Also, we remember TCR getting off to a rocky start and then finding itself so we are in for the long haul. We do love Stephen.

[Jwsmith]

Loving the show.

Can anyone help me identify one of the beats played by the band on Friday show? I believe it was after the monologue and Colbert was dancing to it for like 30secs. Sounded to me like disco/funk beats.

[A Boston Gal]

Mr Lookeyloo and I are surely not in the target demographic (being considered "elderly") but we are big fans of TCR and are enjoying this show. We usually FF through the music guests anyway so don't mind them at the end. Also, we remember TCR getting off to a rocky start and then finding itself so we are in for the long haul. We do love Stephen.

Right there with you, age-wise at least, lookeyloo!

Edited September 20, 2015 by A Boston Gal

[peeayebee]

Can anyone help me identify one of the beats played by the band on Friday show? I believe it was after the monologue and Colbert was dancing to it for like 30secs. Sounded to me like disco/funk beats.

Is that just the lead-in to the show's theme?

 

 

I could be wrong, but I thought I caught a nanosecond of a promo saying "Late Show with Colbert, new Tuesday!" Is he not on this Monday for some reason?

 

I wonder if Monday is a rerun because of Sunday night's Emmys.

[LADreamr]

Ted Cruz and Don Henley are on Monday night.

[DollEyes]

  My verdict: thumbs up. The first night wasn't "perfect," but since it was just the first episode, it needed to work out the kinks and there was way more awesome than mediocre, I'll cut him some slack. George Clooney did a great job. He manages to take the world seriously, but not take himself that way, hence his attitude about the role reversal in his marriage. In the past, Clooney's other girlfriends were the eye candy, but now he's married to a lawyer who's successful and respected in her own right, now it's his turn to be the "pretty" one, but at least he seems like a good sport. The movie parody wasn't hilarious, but it made me laugh a couple of times. Clooney has shown that he's capable of being funny, as he proved in Burn After Reading, Out Of Sight & O Brother, Where Art Thou?, the material just has to be there and when it's not, then they just do the best they can with what they've got, which IMO Clooney did. Love Jon Bastiste & Stay Human. The all-star performance of "Everyday People" with Stephen was joyful.

 

  Stephen's interview with Vice President Joe Biden really impressed me. Given Stephen's own experience with loss via his dad & brothers' deaths-on September 11th, 1974-if anyone knows what Vice President Biden is going through, it's him. The interview was tasteful, sensitive and powerful. I didn't find it exploitive because knowing Biden's nature, if he was offended, then he would've said so, in no uncertain terms.

[peeayebee]

Ted Cruz and Don Henley are on Monday night.

Oh right. I forgot that was announced. I guess since there's a lot less rehearsal and writing involved in a talk show than in TCR, they don't need as much time to prepare -- I'm assuming Stephen, writers, and others are going to LA for the Emmys.

[Milburn Stone]

I guess since there's a lot less rehearsal and writing involved in a talk show than in TCR, they don't need as much time to prepare...

 

I bet if you subtracted the interview segments (which require comedy-writing preparation in their own way) there'd be as much written material in an hour of TLSwSC as there was in a half-hour of TCR. If not more. Which is one of the things that really impresses me.

[trow125]

FYI, the upcoming musical guests next week are: Don Henley, Raury ("known for his eclectic sound mixing soul, hip hop and folk" according to Wikipedia), Pearl Jam, the YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus and the Choir of St. Jean Baptiste, and The Arcs ("a side-project by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys").

[Kromm]

FYI, the upcoming musical guests next week are: Don Henley, Raury ("known for his eclectic sound mixing soul, hip hop and folk" according to Wikipedia), Pearl Jam, the YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus and the Choir of St. Jean Baptiste, and The Arcs ("a side-project by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys").

So a few that are for real oldsters, a few that skew a bit timeless/non-specific, and a few that skew younger. Although, yes, nothing again for the real Beiber-loving set looking for current Pop Tarts.

[Victor the Crab]

Fuck those asshats Trump and Cruz. The only person I'm looking forward to Stephen interviewing this week is Malala on Friday.

[Padma]

Sure a lot of guests on Thursday. Hope that doesn't mean less funny stuff:

 

Author Andrew Sullivan; Journalist and Activist Maria Shriver; Comedian Jim Gaffigan; Archbishop Thomas Wenski; musical performance by the YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus (