A Short Film By Spike Jonze

Director Spike Jonze had a vision for how to open The Late Show, so Stephen said, why not?
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Stephen Colbert took over as host of The Late Show on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. Colbert is best known for his work as a television host, writer, actor, and producer, and best known for his charity work teaching English as a second language on Tunisian date farms. Prior to joining the CBS family -- and being officially adopted by network president Les Moonves -- Colbert helmed “The Colbert Report,” which aired nearly 1,500 episodes and required Stephen to wear nearly 1,500 different neckties. The program received two Peabody Awards, two Grammy Awards, and several unwelcome shoulder massages. It won two Emmys for Outstanding Variety Series in 2013 and 2014, both of which appear to have been lost in the move. Colbert is pronounced koʊlˈbɛər, according to Wikipedia. His understudy is William Cavanaugh, who will be hosting The Late Show approximately one third of the time. Good luck, Bill!"

[@SesameStreet]

Bravo!

[@Dr.HouseMD]

+Sesame Street Please--lets get a David Fincher version.

[@gabeisgabe10]

+Sesame Street Yeah can I get directions to Sesame St. please

[@michaeljohnson9916]

+Dr. House "This film is brought to you by the number Se7en.", otherwise known as "What's on the blocks?"

[@javasoccernut]

+Gabriel Ceballos I know the way to San Jose

[@painter123100]

+javasoccernut fuck san j

[@fidorover]

A powerful message that will inspire countless homeless people to wander into studios and host a TV show.

[@fidorover2]

+fidorover LOL. Exactly.

[@pecazp]

+fidorover They'll end up as Craig Ferguson's audience.

[@mundaneamazing]

I'm mad that this made me laugh.. Gotta go question my humanity.

[@vcl2009]

+fidorover only the ones with access to youtube

[@thelastattempt666]

I would watch a feature film of this one at the theater for sure.

[@Mmxxaamm]

DAMN! Colbert acting skills are on point! Everything Spike touches is gold.

[@williamliu9584]

+Maximum Blaster including Kanye West music videos.

[@Mmxxaamm]

William Liu Of course. Actually, I have nothing against Kanyes music or videos, it's pretty good, whether you like hip hop or not, it's good stuff, mainly because he surrounds himself with a lot of talent and virtuous people. Is the guy the problem, he is dumb as a pigeon.

[@ImJakeSrsly]

Wow, the theme song slowed down is really beautiful.

[@ninjaahjumma]

Wow. Just... wow. That was so powerful. Am I the only one who teared up by the end of this? I don't know if Stephen had any input in this, but if he did, it says a whole lot about him. They always say that the best comedians are often the ones with the biggest problems and the worst experiences, and that humour is the only way that they can get out of their heads. Stephen implied as much in the past, but never this explicitly. That first part--him lost in the woods, him walking around aimlessly, him being ignored and ridiculed--are basically Stephen's demons. Grover--probably the child in Stephen or maybe even the funny man in him--is the one who literally takes him by the hand, away from his demons and into comedy and entertainment; into a theatre full of the people who love and admire him. The emotion on Stephen's face when he walked out into that stage--happiness, awe, relief, utmost gratitude--was so very raw and real, because that's probably what he actually feels each and every night when he does this show. To me, this two and a half minute video perfectly sums up The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Well done Stephen. Never forget, you deserve all of this and so much more.

[@merrickjacobs197]

+Nina D. : That was perfectly said, and I couldn't agree more or say it any better: you took the words right out of my mouth and heart. :-) This truly brought a tear to my eye and tugged on my heart. Stephen is truly a great man and comedian/actor. Your words touched my heart, Nina D., thank you for this wonderful retrospective comment describing this great video.

[@ninjaahjumma]

Merrick Jacobs Thank you for your kind words. I was really just trying to make sense of the video for myself. I find that it's always nice to air my thoughts on things I want to digest and work out because doing so allows me to get input and different perspectives from other people. It doesn't always work here in the cesspool that is the KZbin comments section, but I usually just ignore the trolls. :)

[@Tigermond1]

+Nina D. Thank you, this is very well put. I highly recommend (to both of you, I guess) this "potrait" of Stephen: www.gq.com/story/stephen-colbert-gq-cover-story (The text, not the video.) It is by far the most insightful thing I have ever read about him. I actually come back to it on a regular basis, just because there is so much in it that fascinates me and makes me think. (Or, occasionally, cry.) Quote: "The central tension in his life, he said, is between being a “reasonably friendly, good-at-a-cocktail-party guy” and walking around the world feeling like he's not quite a part of it. “I'm a very uncomfortable person,” he said. “I really like people, and I also don't always know what to do with them.… I have always had an eclectic roster of friends, but there's something about my work that speaks to a deep discomfort with being in society.”"

[@ninjaahjumma]

Tigermond1​ I didn't know about this article. Thank you for linking it!

[@merrickjacobs197]

+Tigermond1 : Thank you very much for putting a link to Stephen's story, I'll check-it-out later tomorrow and give it a read. :-) Stephen is a great actor from what I've seen on CBS (my main tv station, so he's 'kinda new to me.'), but I really like the guy. I hope you have a good night/day.

[@lengyel]

I swear to God Spike Jonze could take a toothpaste commercial and make it poignant.

[@maroonroon]

hahahahaha!

[@annerchisline9641]

+lengyel One of my landlady's verbally abused her granddaughter a lot and tried to convince the kid to brush for longer than the recommended amount. Could also address littering because I encounter a lot of those used individual flossers on my walks. It's gross.

[@tingtang9302]

ikea lamp commercial comes to mind

[@OddOneOut665]

He did a Commercial for Apple that's trippy, yet gorgeous and slick.

[@Gunman610]

He probably did at some point.

[@betomoya4332]

I love Colbert's "Sure, let's try it" attitude.

[@OghamTheBold]

He's disruptive - like the dawning destabilization

[@thomaslyon2207]

The emotion in this film is amazing. It reminds me that we all have the capacity to be cherished, loved, and admired.... but perhaps only by those who are present to see us. I'd love to know what Grover said to Stephen. No doubt words that were inspirational and motivating in a world that is so disillusioned and full of perceived stumbling blocks. But remember... your stumbling blocks are your stepping stones. Amazing.

[@xusun956]

Spike just has the ability to make everyone look so sensitive.

[@carlostorres4305]

I have no idea what just happened but I loved it.

[@pacmanshooter247]

This made me really sad somehow. Man.. I'd love to see stephen go back to acting...

[@applejuice8986]

+TimeladyRose Right!?

[@mnchls]

+TimeladyRose it's those eyes!

[@RobFeldkamp]

+TimeladyRose yeah..... my thoughts exactly.. this made me cry a little and i don't really know why. Probably had to do with the music aswell.

[@kyanhowe8777]

Maybe it was the music, but it was still very nice

[@aquariusliu24]

Bravo! Oscar worthy!

[@jaypillsbury843]

+AKUI You mean like the grouch?

[@aquariusliu24]

Jake Pillsbury yes

[@annerchisline9641]

+AKUI Bob McGrath here.

[@kevinmeyer1354]

Black People are counter productive, stupid

[@ZOA360]

+AKUI I'm pretty sure Oscar would say it's trash ~ lol XD

[@theylied1776]

This is so weird, the same thing happened to me last week? Except I wasn't in New York, or went on a walk with a Muppet, or host a late night show... but other than that it was an identical experience.

[@annerchisline9641]

+theylied1776 Me too. Stay strong out there and don't give up.

[@juliaaa1111]

Damn... that was touching. Great acting and what a lovely song.

[@annerchisline9641]

+Ju M. Great cinematography as well.

[@WDSimp]

When Grover pointed toward that doorway I was certain that, this time, I was going to learn how to get to Sesame Street.

[@dudex65]

This short film was actually pretty moving. Stephens facial expressions say it all.

[@arpadelluna]

Love Stay Human's melancholy variation on their own music.

[@jag71sg]

do tou know the name of the song playing?

[@arpadelluna]

"Humanism". It's the show theme song, but as such uptempo and with a totally different harmonization. Listen again to both and you'll be amazed. That's surely especially Jon's work. His harmonic permutations and combinations are endless.

[@Kourikargou]

+Arpa de Lluna the original music is really nice and I'm a big fan of Jon, I absolutely love this version.

[@rmeddy]

+jag71sg Humanism is the name of the song

[@whailman]

Colbert has become transcendent.

[@ProfSaxby]

Great job, Grover. In these times we all need more Sesame Street.

[@niezaleznitworcy]

The highest form of artism. I love the shots and I love this music. Perfect.

[@DaynJo]

Brilliant direction, music, and well played Mr Colbert, the looks and facial expressions were spot on. So touching.

[@superpcstation]

Can't stop re-watching!

[@cahill2873]

Same here

[@kevinlion7903]

Great music

[@shirleybishop523]

[@AdlyNdlovu]

the music does the talking. phenomenal piece of art.

[@rooney302021]

If anybody has any doubts why Stephen selected Jon Batiste, just listen to the music of this video with your eyes closed.

[@hellowaya]

Oh, it's made by baptise? Cool, really love the music.. Can i hear it somewhere else maybe? I wish there's a longer version of this chill vibes

[@collbackk]

+Adhi N An EP is available, you can find it on Spotify. I doubt you'll find the version of this video anywhere though.

[@hellowaya]

***** spotify is blocked in my country :( i found the upbeat/original version here in yt, titled humanism..

[@brendar9363]

+rooney302021 I honestly can't tell if this is sarcasm in this thread or not. You realize it's just a slow version of the show's theme, right?

[@emilhaugen1201]

+Brenda R for us non Americans who can only watch KZbin videos, we don't get to hear the opening theme so many fans of the show don't actually know the main theme

[@Mallen151]

After seeing this video, I want to see Spike Jonze and Stephen Colbert work together on a feature length film.

[@kh7688]

Colbert can do no wrong, everything he touches is magic.

[@musicadamcooke]

I have loved this since I first saw it opening Colbert's Late Show just over a year ago. Of course, it appeals to me on a number of levels, not the least of which is my affection for the works of Jim Henson, Frank Oz (and his Grover heir apparent Eric Jacobsen), Spike Jonze and of course Stephen Colbert himself. But the fact that, 14 months later, it is a "go-to" for me in difficult times, speaks volumes about how humour can also heal. Thank you to everyone involved.

[@blah5325]

Wow Spike Jonze is so talented. And Colbert did a decent job. Also I loved this rendition of the theme show. I think they should put this as their intro video on the youtube page. So very well done. I wish I could work with Jonze

[@RiverTheOneandOnly]

+blah "decent"

[@krokodyl1927]

“Decent job (of acting)”??! Definitely more like OUTSTANDING!! 🌝

[@merrickjacobs197]

​@@krokodyl1927 no kidding! Stephen's facial expressions alone could've won him awards in this piece!

[@royhammond3981]

That was one of the coolest things I've ever watched

[@JB1996TF]

Sometimes people forget that Stephen Colbert started out as a serious actor

[@z-beeblebrox]

+Guy Cole Considering the video, I seriously thought you were gonna end that with "as a homeless guy". Real rollercoaster ride of a sentence

[@martinaee]

+z beeblebrox That's what he said: serious actor.

[@JB1996TF]

Some people forget that Grover started out as the spectre of Death leading the cold and weary into the afterlife

[@adj789]

+Guy Cole He was in Harvey Birdman for god's sake

[@JB1996TF]

+adj789 Harvey Birdman was a documentary, didn't see Stephen Colbert in it though. Think you might be confusing him with Phil Ken Sebben- similar voices

[@AnthonyBuda]

Stephen, thank you for working so hard for so long to bring joy and laughter into the world with your talent and kind spirit. A central takeaway from this short film might be that hosting the The Late Show is a dream come true for you. Well, for those of us who've been growing with you for the past decade, your new job is also a dream come true for us. The general broadcast media landscape tends ever increasingly towards highly biased, lowest common denominator, heartless, and inauthentic content. To have you, someone whom I trust and with whom I truly vibe, at the helm of such a high-profile, well funded, and nationally relevant program is meaningful and uplifting. Enormous kudos as well to all the team members who make The Late Show happen every week!

[@myjeremymouse]

I love this!! My new favorite guy on TV (well for a while now) with me and my daughters old favorite muppet Grover. Thank you! Thank you! I still have our old "Grover Sings The Blues" on vinyl!

[@mailorderdolphlundgrenseam9069]

I lost my job(as a cook) a week ago. I left my home because my roommate has an auto immune disorder. I would go to a homeless shelter if not for the fact that I would sleep in one room with 50 or more people. I dont mind catching this thing. But I would rather freeze outside than catch it and give it to many others who a small percentage will perish. I cant live with that. This song is keeping me alive while I struggle with my own uncertainty. Thanks Spike, Steven and especially Jon.

[@rand64444]

That was incredible. There's the Emmy. The other late night shows wish they could create content like this. Bravo.

[@joyikelman1540]

Stunning and moving. Great acting by Stephen Colbert, and direction by Spike Jonze. Batiste/Stay Human music is perfect. Love this.

[@satellithias]

I'd pay a handsome dollar, an equally handsome pound, 1,000 handsome Korean Won, and a reasonable amount of any other handsome currency for this beautiful version of the Late Show intro by Jon Batiste & Stay Human. By the way, it would be nice if, one by one, the Late Show would also introduce all the amazing musicians of Stay Human with personal profiles. They so deserve it.

[@Mediaright]

This is beautiful.

[@prefetchify]

The tailored suits and Rolex watch notwithstanding, Stephen brings a very convincing act as a homeless man pursuing the American Dream.

[@annerchisline9641]

+prefetchify Materialism vs wealth . . . they are 2 different things, so actually this is a good thing to notice, prefetchify. :)

[@Dr.HouseMD]

+prefetchify This sounds like a solid rotten tomatoes critic's consensus. Well said.

[@SxC97]

+prefetchify Its actually an Omega Seamaster, but yeah you’re totally right.

[@Caleb-en5bo]

+MrAppleman97 how can you tell?

[@annerchisline9641]

+Caleb Advertising.

[@thomjoconnor]

Very moving. Made me tear up.

[@PogieJoe]

Spike Jonze is a god. Love the Grover cameo. :)

[@cldcollector]

Damn it, Stephen! You're just as pretty as when I met you in 2007. Gosh.

[@superpcstation]

+cldcollector You met him? Lucky you!

[@cldcollector]

AZ N I did! I met both Stephen and Jon. They were both vaguely aware of me because I was one of the creators of several online fan projects from around that time and I had some involvement with the old Colbert forum. Stephen was extremely gracious and sweet. Really good looking in person, too.

[@superpcstation]

cldcollector So you are an old time devotee haha. What kind of projects did you do? If you don't mind me asking.

[@cldcollector]

+AZ N A Two forums, some websites, and a few news related blogs. This was before the official websites really took flight. A friend of mine made a flag dedicated to one of our forums that hung outside of Colbert's office for years.

[@flirtylaxgirl]

Love this. The piano is beautiful too.

[@benphillips7333]

why did this make me cry?! Wow.

[@dantell7605]

Figured it out. Grover is Stephen's spirit animal.

[@renswisse]

Awesome. The music is wonderful, too. We all need some Grover in our lives te keep going now and then.

[@annerchisline9641]

+Rens Wisse I started crying as soon as he came into view and lost it when his little hand went on Colbert's back. I started humming "G-George; G-Grover" after the video ended. :)

[@davyman2000]

The way it ended, how he stared at his audience and smiled, I almost feel that is how he should end his last show he ever makes. To show us he is still smiling.

[@FrankValchiria]

love this kind of stuff

[@JJuribe97]

when he has nothing he is brought to his childhood for comfort, and in that hope he has the courage to walk through the door as a child and find happiness.

[@Superstarseven]

+Josias Uribe Nice interpretation.

[@annerchisline9641]

I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!! Thank-you!!!!!!!!! You have no idea how much this video means to me and how meaningful having Grover in it is to me personally. Gotta go get Kleenex . . .

[@johnnyd9991]

What the hell I never thought i'd ever be emotional watching the intro to a talk show

[@georginamaris4735]

My main man Spike is a genius

[@Buenomars]

Next time: Michael Bay (BOOM! POW! EXPLOSIONS!)

[@xandertrejo]

And CGI everywhere with really exaggerated shots and camera angles.

[@CritScratch]

truly a short film that touches the hearts of tv show hosts everywhere

[@michaeljohnson9916]

+Infinite Scratch Even Jay Leno's heart grew three sizes that day!

[@faithinverity8523]

When the lights come up and the audience jumps to their feet I discover with what Grover seemed to know: the people need Colbert way more than Colbert needs the people. And on this, the fiftieth day of quarantine, I'm struck by how Colbert finds a way to give the people what they need, in spite of the obstacles.

[@secundrabeasley855]

Brilliant. I am bawling big time. THANKS to everyone who made this possible.

[@mustang8206]

Can you tell me how to get how to get to the late show

[@hellowaya]

Nice

[@Hollyweed1]

That was brutal

[@justinhamilton8647]

+Conner Broeker Get tickets, available for free online on their site, show up to the Ed Sullivan Theatre with your printed out ticket, make sure to show up early, and you're done.

[@pinapplekitty]

This is so beautiful

[@ThinMantheGhost]

HOLY SHIT. Right in the feels. I do not know why but it hit right in the heart.

[@blackdogdancer]

Beautiful! we all need a little bit of Gover in our life. Great music.

[@FoolsGil]

Makes sense Colbert is a fan for Grover.

[@gregoryhess2016]

This is awesome.

[@godofrock]

A story of hope and redemption. Faced with a loss of his suit he wanders the streets no! The Mean streets of where ever until a hansom blue stranger who is vaguely familiar to our lost man. The blue stranger leads our fallen friend to a place, a stage, a family , a community where he can stand tall and feel loved once again.

[@merutm3843]

0:14 - 0:26 just lost my girl... this hit me... now I’m wandering the streets, buzzed, cold and alone with so much on my mind... damn...

[@ashwinsingh5992]

I really really really enjoyed this

[@bluejudymediastoragehouse3749]

this is probably one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen! and its only 2 minutes!

[@user-rq4rt3ti8l]

I think I just fell in love with stephen.

[@studiosity2658]

This was the most beautiful thing I've watched today, second only to Donald Trump getting roasted by John Oliver #makedonalddrumpfagain

[@q851230]

GOD!Someone must get this man into a movie!

[@michaeljohnson9916]

+q851230 I remember Stephen back during the lean days when he played the letter Z in Sesame Street: All-Star Alphabet in 2005. Grover's done more for this man than we'll ever know......

[@q851230]

Michael Johnson I know that Z LOL That is so adorable

[@jokluz]

Man, Stephen looked so damn sad! I just felt like reaching out giving the fella a hug.

[@ForGrimTilTV]

awesome!

[@lefthand8051]

This deserves so many more views.

[@TheMoriyake]

loved the music, and spike is forever awesome!

[@CynAnne1]

Once again, the steadfast dependability of a true friend saves us from losing ourselves in a sea of self-doubt and sorrow. Kudos all around...and we still lurve you, Grover.

[@djDivineJustice]

this was beautiful and made me cry

[@chansherly212]

wow,that was actually pretty good acting

[@damo3923]

This is.. Beautiful... *sheds single manly tear*

[@mailorderdolphlundgrenseam9069]

This is a masterpiece. Shouldve won a Grammy and an Emmy. Truley wonderful. You cant watch or listen to this just once.

[@CordellLawrence]

Love the music. Love the emotion.

[@BearHeart13]

Outstanding! Would love to see more Spike Jonze poignant introductions. I am so aware of homeless people in the cities that I have lived in, and feel empathy and a deep sadness. We need more awareness then actions to correct this American tragedy and embarrassment. There is no excuse for the greedy CEOs and corporations and politicians to allow this to continue! Think, if we spent all that money wasted on elections on...

[@freesoju]

So touching

[@AppleLovely]

I am tearing up!..

[@ChrisSeahorse]

What happens when the greatest late night TV host collaborates with the coolest movie director around? This happens. Just brilliant. :D

[@dorcasmalahlela2805]

When you're a child, people's cruelty makes you cry; when you're old, it's their kindness. Glen Duncan said something like that, and it's absolutely true.

[@jaysonnickols170]

I miss Grover. That Elmo punk stole his thunder.

[@silverlve70]

We all have times we feel lost and ridiculed... sometimes all it takes is the right thing or person to show you the way. I loved seeing Grover!! 😆

[@aquitaineq]

I love Grover! I dunno I'm not artsy fartsy, but I kinda take this as, "There are times when you are down and it seems like everyone is against you but maybe all it takes is the innocence and honesty of something pure and childlike to get you up and back to yourself...." That and I just love Grover so much he could get me out of any funk!

[@justlooking3649]

I saw this I guess two years ago. I love it. Jon Baptiste and stay human....awesome work and of course the actual film is nice too. I love it.

[@suchitramaagala3115]

Wow! Everything was so perfect here. The slow theme and Stephen s expression made it so genuine.

[@IceColdProfessional]

Please tell me this version is on Spotify!

[@lifeofmarkus6982]

I want more shorts like this!!! Powerful, moving & sweet... ☺️

[@sumanadasawijayapala5372]

0:53 you can't blame those kids. Stephen is pretty funny, after all.

[@CaptainIndecision]

That got me right in my emotions.

[@LABrauns]

Beautiful on so many levels.

[@KentaObscuro]

I hope they re-visit this music for Stephen’s in-studio return after NY rebounds.

[@daniomdt3660]

this was beautiful and "made my eyes moist" as the late Christopher hitches would say, good job Late show!

[@ElenaMurchikova]

Beautiful

[@wheelmangames5366]

I got a Louie vibe off that. Very Nicely done!!

[@frostychickenprods]

Yes. And David Lynch

[@KLOLWAT]

+WheelmanGames Lots of little connections between everybody here. Louis and Charlie Kaufman (Who wrote what are IMO Spike's best films) wrote together on the Dana Carvey Show, where Colbert acted.

[@massesesclaves644]

+WheelmanGames Yes and no, I don't seem to recall extensive slo-mo in Louie. A overused dramatic effect if you ask me.

[@wheelmangames5366]

Masses Esclaves But that's the Parody of it all. To be honest, it was the Music and the atmosphere that got me thinking of Louie.

[@massesesclaves644]

+WheelmanGames Yes. That was very nicely done anyway. That's what I like in both CK and Colbert, that constant ambiguity between parody and pure sincerity, always in a non ironic-moronic way.

[@krokodyl1927]

Poignantly sublime ... still.

[@ryantakach1478]

Colbert should star in a full length spike jonze film please