Stephen Colbert’s affinity for Canada has been evident in his late-night comedy, with a playful yet affectionate approach. Throughout his tenure on CBS’s “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report,” Canada has been a recurring theme for Colbert’s comedic material, blending admiration with good-natured ribbing.
From poking fun at Canadian currency, politics, and culture, Colbert’s jests have been a hallmark of his shows. However, the era of Colbert’s Canadian-themed humor is drawing to a close, with the host announcing the upcoming conclusion of his show’s last season, citing financial reasons.
This decision raised eyebrows due to its timing, coming shortly after Colbert criticized Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, regarding a legal dispute with former U.S. President Donald Trump. As the final episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” approaches on May 21, let’s revisit some of his most memorable Canadian moments and jests.
Did you know that Stephen Colbert has ancestral ties to Canada? Ancestry.ca unearthed that Colbert’s great-great-grandfather, James Quinn, settled in Kingston, Ont., and his great-great-grandmother, Mary Skelton, also resided in Canada. This discovery shed light on Colbert’s passion for hockey roots.
In 2016, Colbert humorously reacted to changes in Canada’s national anthem, suggesting playful revisions in his signature comedic style. His satirical take on Canadian stereotypes, including references to popular Canadian figures like Ryan Gosling and Ryan Reynolds, was a hit with his audience.
Colbert’s comedic exploration of Canadian identity extended to a mock Canadian citizenship test in 2019, where he humorously redefined the responsibilities of citizenship to include quirky traits like altering spellings and singing Gordon Lightfoot songs at karaoke.
The late-night host’s humor often targeted Canada’s perceived politeness, with Colbert playfully interpreting diplomatic responses from Canadian officials as subtle jabs. Notably, his interactions with Canadian politicians, including former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, showcased his witty banter and cross-border comedy.
Colbert’s guest roster featured numerous Canadian celebrities, with special mentions to Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy, whom he revered as comedy icons. His interactions with Canadian stars like Michael Bublé and Sandra Oh added a comedic flair to exploring Canadian culture and personalities.
One of Colbert’s comedic jabs at Windsor, Ont., sparked a lighthearted exchange with the city’s mayor, highlighting the playful banter Colbert engaged in with Canadian locales. Despite the jest, Colbert’s affection for Canada and its people shone through in his comedic portrayals and interactions.
As Colbert bids farewell to his late-night show, his comedic legacy in celebrating and poking fun at Canada will be remembered fondly.