Steve Carell And Stephen Colbert Lovingly Roast Each Other In 'Daily Show' Revival

By Andrew Sanford | TV | May 15, 2024 |

By Andrew Sanford | TV | May 15, 2024 |

Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert have both had remarkable careers. Carell became a breakout star thanks to The Office and The 40-Year-Old Virgin. He pivoted away from comedy to more serious roles, nabbing Oscar nominations in the process. Colbert hosted the incredibly successful Colbert Report and would eventually take over for David Letterman as host of The Late Show on CBS. They’ve both been at it for so long, it’s hard to remember their humble beginnings.

The two were once young sketch actors, appearing in bit parts across film and television. Both found a footing on The Daily Show. Already friends, they brought their relationship to the screen with a segment on The Daily Show called ‘Even Stevphen,’ where they would “debate,” and by “debate” I mean jokingly disagree and slander each other. The bits were fantastic, thanks in no small part to the friendship between the two. This week saw the segment’s revival for Colbert’s 60th Birthday.

Carell appeared on The Late Show to go at it with his good friend. They argue over the advantages (and disadvantages) of aging. In the process, they take shots at each other’s age, appearance, and filmography. Colbert’s shot at Carell’s Welcome To Marwen is one of the most stinging jokes. The joke itself isn’t particularly mean, it’s just that it elicited silence from the crowd. They didn’t even get the reference, because no one saw that movie. Ouch.

The two eventually put down their dukes and share a tender moment at the end of the segment. It becomes two older friends, lovingly sharing a sweet and real moment, even if it is laden with silliness. These days, if two aging white comedians get together, it’s often to complain about “wokeness.” Here, it’s just two men who love each other and are happy to work together. It’s nice. Real nice.