Stephen Colbert gets a bit emotional, and candidly ponders the future of The Late Show‘s longtime home, during a final tour of The Ed Sullivan Theater for Architectural Digest.
In the video above, Colbert—with illuminating assists from lighting designer Michael Scricca, musical director/bandleader Louis Cato, co-executive producer Tanya Bracco, and costume designer Antonia Xereas—explores many a nook and cranny at the storied theater, which CBS purchased for $4.5 million in early 1993 to serve as the home for its new late-night entry (first hosted by David Letterman).
“Been here for 11 years and I’ve tried to never take it for granted,” Colbert says. “Of course now every time I walk out on stage I try to look around and take it in, because you’re never going to get this again.”
Colbert details the restoration of many architectural details timed to his September 2015 debut as host, including the removing of sound-proofing sails that had obscured the theater’s domed ceiling, and the showcasing of a long-forgotten plaster chandelier.
Scricca demonstrates how the lighted “Mondrian” panels framing the interview area change for each segment (including a red/white/blue scheme for any political guests), and reveals an American flag (quite) hidden within the lefthand balcony area.
Speaking of that balcony and its shelving, Colbert gives the door hidden behind the Anduril sword (gifted to him by Viggo Mortensen) a first try in a long time, revealing an up/down ladder dating back many decades to a very pre-Letterman era. He also clocks large “CB(S)” lettering beyond the bandstand (conceived as if we’re seeing the side of a neighboring building), as well as a similar “One Hour Service” sign (as in the duration of a Late Show episode).
Co-EP Bracco shares the history behind the “Elephant Columns” located directly beneath the stage, installed back when entertainer Ed Sullivan wanted to have Ringling Bros. circus animals pay a visit (and later proving useful for a music video shoot), while Xereas shares a fleeting glimpse of some costumes she hopes will be featured in Thursday’s top-secret series finale.
Colbert at multiple points sounds a bit verklempt about bidding the Ed Sullivan goodbye after 11 years—including as he remembers from the balcony that there is sky full of “stars” situated above the “Late Show with” sign, but especially as he ponders the theater’s yet-to-be-determined next tenant, if any.
“Because we’re not being replaced by a late night show, I don’t know what’s going to happen to The Ed Sullivan Theater. But something should happen,” he says. “Too much work has been put into it to make it a great television, or broadcast performance, space. And now, in my opinion, it’s the best broadcast space in New York City.”
But as The Late Show heads into its final run of episodes (airing tonight through Thursday), no next act has been announced for the nearly 100-year-old theater, which is owned by Paramount Skydance Corporation and is protected by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
“The fact that nothing’s gonna come in here breaks my heart,” Colbert says at the end of the Architectural Digest tour. “But someone will figure it out, and I wish them all the luck in the world—because they’re gonna love it.”
