Stephen Colbert with Jacinda Ardern in Auckland.
The Late Show, which airs on CBS in the US, indicated to officials late last year that the host was interested in a repeat visit. But with the border closed, and managed isolation places tightly contested, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment – the umbrella agency for Immigration NZ and managed isolation facilities – judged the visit wouldn’t be possible. Colbert’s team didn’t get as far as applying for critical worker exemptions. But what happened next is unclear.
Stuff understands Colbert’s potential visit was discussed at a meeting of Covid ministers during the first week of December.
“If you don t start infecting again your career is over,” the father said, threateningly. It s not the first US programme to have had New Zealand s Covid-19 response in its sights. US talk show host Stephen Colbert’s
Late Show aired a special edition dedicated to New Zealand on Saturday. The programme, titled “Return To New Zealand: A Magical Land Where Hugs Still Happen”, had meant to air in March – but Colbert said it was put on ice due to the developing Covid-19 situation.
What’s it like to go bungee jumping for the first time? Stephen Colbert walks you through his experience in New Zealand.
During the segment Colbert walked viewers through his first time bungee jumping in New Zealand. “We had meant to show this in spring, but Covid hit and we thought it wasn t the right time to do it. Then this week, we went, ‘yeah this is the right time to do it’,” he joked. He kicked off the special episode by describing how New Zealand has had “one of the most successful pandemic responses in the world,” before going on to commend Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. New Zealand s privileged Covid-19 status had him reminiscing on a trip he d taken last year.
Stephen Colbert dedicates entire show to New Zealand, a magical land where hugs still happen stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Leslie Odom, Jr - Press Photo by Tony Duran, courtesy of Full Coverage Communications/S-Curve/BMG
Of the five “Late Show With Stephen Colbert” episodes set to air this coming week, the latter three will feature musical performances.
According to CBS, Leslie Odom, Jr will perform on the December 16 episode. The broadcast will also feature an interview with Tom Hanks.
Black Pumas, who are up for the Album and Record of the Year Grammy Awards, will play the December 17 episode. George Clooney will be the episode’s interview guest.
“Late Show” bandleader Jon Batiste will be the formally billed musical guest on December 18. That night’s broadcast will also feature a chat with Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper.