Stephen Colbert has showcased a fond, albeit teasing, fascination with Canada in his late-night comedy shows over the years. With a career spanning both CBS’s “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report,” Colbert has playfully poked fun at Canadian currency, politics, and culture, treating Canada like a beloved middle-school crush that he adores but also enjoys ribbing publicly to show his affection.
The decision to end Colbert’s late-night show was announced by Paramount and CBS executives last July, citing financial reasons amidst the challenges in the late-night TV landscape. However, eyebrows were raised as the news came shortly after Colbert criticized Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, for settling a lawsuit with former U.S. President Donald Trump over a “60 Minutes” story.
As Colbert approaches the final episode of his show on Thursday, May 21, we reflect on some of his most memorable Canadian-centric moments. Ancestry.ca uncovered Colbert’s Canadian roots, linking his passion for hockey to his great-great-grandfather, James Quinn, who settled in Ontario. Colbert has humorously tackled Canadian themes, from proposing edits to Canada’s national anthem to playfully taking a mock Canadian citizenship test, showcasing his witty take on Canadian identity.
Through interviews with Canadian politicians like former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and interactions with Canadian celebrities such as Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy, Colbert has built a repertoire of comedic exchanges that celebrate Canadian culture while gently poking fun at stereotypes. From mocking Windsor, Ontario, as the “Earth’s rectum” to jesting about Canadian politeness, Colbert’s jests have left a lasting impression on his Canadian viewers.
With a mix of humor, insight, and a touch of satire, Colbert’s comedic portrayal of Canada has endeared him to Canadian audiences and added a unique twist to late-night entertainment.
