Stephen Colbert kicked off his live “Late Show” following Super Bowl 50 with a big surprise guest: President Obama.
Obama appeared on CBS’ post-Super Bowl “Late Show” to play catch with the host even though Colbert was in New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater and Obama was in Washington D.C.
“You in the back, the tall guy with the really big ears,” Colbert said before throwing the football to Obama at the White House.
“Nice arm, Stephen,” Obama responded.
Obama’s portion was taped last week, a point that Colbert, who boasted about the live nature of the show, objected to.
“Sir, with all due respect I’ve made a really big deal about the fact this is a live show tonight,” he said. “I find it hard to believe that you were pre-taped.”
“All right I’m going to prove it to you,” Obama said, and brought Colbert into the shot.
Obama congratulated the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos leaving the host to ask how the president knew who won.
“Stephen, I’m the president,” Obama said. “It turns out that all the Super Bowl winners for the next 50 years are written on the back of the Constitution.”
Obama attempted to pass the ball back to Colbert in New York, but instead threw it at the First Lady Michelle Obama.
“Excuse me, who is throwing a football in the White House?,” the first lady demanded.
The frightened president pointed at Colbert and slowly backed out of the shot.
Colbert’s “Late Show” is the first late night series to ever be aired in the post Super Bowl scheduled sweet spot.
Not only does the broadcast get a large audience overflowing from the most watched TV event of the year, but also allows a new viewership to try out Colbert’s late night offerings.
“The Late Show” Super Bowl show included a wide-ranging guest list of soldiers stationed overseas, astronaut Scott Kelly beamed from space, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Fox News’ host Megyn Kelly, and even Chewbacca from “Star Wars.”