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Welcome Back Stephen Colbert: "The Colbert Report" Set To Return After Abrupt Hiatus

Tracy Bloom |
February 19, 2012 | 2:40 p.m. PST

Deputy Editor

Good news for the Colbert nation: after abruptly cancelling two tapings without explanation at the end of the last week, "The Colbert Report" is slated to resume production on Monday, the New York Times reported.

Stephen Colbert's Comedy Central late-night program aired its last new episode on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday's programs were repeats after the network announced the show would not tape for the remainder of the week due to "unforeseen circumstances."

The mystery surrounding the sudden suspension deepened when Colbert, a prolific tweeter, was also silent on the social media site for several days. According to ABC News, Colbert tweeted Wednesday morning, "Watch Stephen help shape the message of Colbert Super PAC with the help of political strategist Frank Luntz," and indication that the show was supposed to be taped that day (it appears that tweet has since been removed from the account). 

An explanation was never officially given as to why the show was cancelled, but people close to Colbert said the comedian left to take care of his 91-year-old mother Lorna, who is reportedly severely ill. However, short of confirming that news, Colbert did tweet the following to his fans over the weekend:

My family and I would like to thank everyone who has offered their thoughts and prayers. We are grateful and touched by your concern.

— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) February 18, 2012

The Associated Press is reporting that Colbert will address his absence during the show on Monday.

This is the first time "The Colbert Report" has ever suspended production, ABC News reported. The show from which Colbert's program was spun-off, "The Daily Show" has cancelled shows at the last minute twice: once, because of the birth of host Jon Stewart's second child; and the second time was due to the sudden death of a show staffer.

According to Colbert Nation, the show's website, the guest on Monday night's program will be novelist Ann Patchet. Looking down the week's lineup, the most noteworthy guest of the week is House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. The former House Speaker will stop by the Comedy Central program on Wednesday. Other guests for the week include Placido Domingo (Thursday) and author Robert Kagan (Tuesday).

In case you missed the last new "Colbert Report" from Tuesday, here's a recap of the show:



 

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Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.