The Late Show’s very own Stephen Colbert (The Daily Show) recently tested positive for Covid and as a result, was not on the air last night. Now, it has been confirmed that he will not be returning at all this week in order to rest up and take some time off to recover from being sick. This comes after Colbert tested positive earlier this week and did his live shows from home, similar to how late-night was being done during the height of the pandemic. 

In a tweet released by The Late Show, Colbert sent a message saying “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. In the meantime, a heady blend of Paxlovid and onions in my socks (thank you, Fallon) will be rebuilding my immune system,” to let viewers know that he’s going to be okay and is taking this time off in order to recharge and bring the audience his hosting abilities at their highest potential. 

Guests that were set to appear this week were Keegan Michael-Key (Key And Peele) and Rachel Maddow (The Rachel Maddow Show), and it is unconfirmed whether the guests are going to have their slot on the show pushed to next week, or if they will not be appearing at all.

This is not the first time late-night hosts have been affected by covid. Colbert had to put this show on pause earlier this year in April after testing positive. Additionally, just last month, the live show Strike Force 3 starring Colbert, Jimmy Fallon (Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon), and Jimmy Kimmel (Jimmy Kimmel Live!) was set to be performed in Las Vegas until Kimmel came down with a case of covid himself.

The Late Show is set to return next week once Colbert has fully recovered from his sickness.

A message from Stephen:
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. In the meantime, a heady blend of Paxlovid and onions in my socks (thank… pic.twitter.com/7ZHyK7fNit

— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) October 18, 2023