Stephen Colbert, a renowned figure in late-night TV, has showcased a consistent fascination with Canada, portraying the country as a subject of both admiration and playful teasing across his stints on CBS’s “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.” His humor often pokes fun at Canadian currency, politics, and culture, culminating in a series of memorable moments that are now drawing to a close as he announced the impending conclusion of his show’s last season.
While the decision to end the show was attributed to financial considerations by Paramount and CBS executives, the timing raised eyebrows due to its proximity to Colbert’s criticism of Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, settling a lawsuit with former U.S. President Donald Trump following a report on “60 Minutes.”
As the final episode of Colbert’s late-night show approaches on May 21, we reflect on some of his standout Canadian-themed segments. These include revelations about his Canadian ancestry linking back to Frontenac County in Ontario, his comedic take on Canada’s national anthem, and his humorous approach to a mock Canadian citizenship test.
Colbert’s interactions with Canadian politicians, such as former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have also left a mark, with discussions ranging from the concept of a Canadian mosaic to the nuances of Canadian bacon. Additionally, his interviews with Canadian stars like Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy, as well as playful banter with Sandra Oh and Michael Bublé, have added to the charm of his Canadian-themed content.
Notable moments also include Colbert’s jests about Canada’s politeness, such as his humorous interpretation of a Canadian response to a trade dispute with the U.S. and his playful jabs at Canadian stereotypes. Moreover, his comedic portrayal of Windsor, Ontario, as the Earth’s rectum sparked both controversy and amusement, showcasing Colbert’s ability to blend humor with social commentary in his portrayal of Canada.
As Colbert bids farewell to his late-night show, his Canadian-inspired segments and interactions with Canadian personalities have left a lasting impression on viewers, highlighting his unique blend of humor and affection for all things Canadian.