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Between Trump, climate change, North Korea and Harvey we can all use some laughs right now and Stephen Colbert’s new book, Midnight Confession, has it in droves
Stephen Colbert has undergone a lot of changes in the five years since his last book. The most obvious change was switching networks which also involved changing personas. I think I speak for many who were disappointed he gave up his Republican blowhard role that he did so well on the Colbert Report (from 2005 to 2015) for a more traditional role when he switched to CBS.
Then his ratings were low at CBS while he tried to find a new rhythm and niche which he found in the last year courtesy of Donald Trump. Finally, with his monologues and other pieces critical of Trump his ratings went up and he found his sweet spot.
But he also started and finessed another new recurring segment and that is the basis for his new book. On the show Colbert, one of America’s more famous Catholics, tells his audience he ran out of time to go to confession and so he makes confessions on the air. Confessions like “Sometimes, during confessions I get worried the priest is bored so I just start describing episodes of Breaking Bad.”
In the book’s introduction Colbert explains, “As America’s foremost TV Catholic, it was natural for me to do a segment inspired by the church. After all, the Catholic Church and late-night TV actually have a lot in common: Our shows last about an hour, we’re obsessed with reaching younger demographics, and the hosts are almost always men.”
The book includes many of the confessions from the show, complete with illustrations, as well as confessions suggested by folks who wrote to the show.
A few of my favorites from Colbert: “I never got to a gym. So I bought a home gym. Now I never go home” and “They say there’s no wrong way to eat a Reese’s, but I’m thinking a whole bag while you’re idling in the driveway is close” and “When people say I’m self-centered…. I can’t help but think they’re talking about me.”
And a few favorites from fans: “I have purposely postponed teaching my son how to read a clock so that I can put him to bed anytime i want” and ” “On days I feel lazy, I shake my Fitbit around to reach my step goal for the day” and “When the kids were little we referred to the ice cream truck as “the music truck” so we didn’t have to spend any money.”
Midnight Confessions comes out just days before Colbert is scheduled to host the Primetime Emmy awards, where, with six nominations, he may be the first performer to win awards while hosting. In any case this book will give you some needed laughs.
