The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: Amber Ruffin Episode Summary
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes comedian and bestselling author Amber Ruffin. Known for her work on The Amber Ruffin Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and CNN’s Have I Got News for You, Ruffin brings a wealth of experience and humor to the conversation.
White House Correspondents Dinner Incident
The discussion kicks off with a notable incident involving the White House Correspondents Dinner. Stephen Colbert brings up Ruffin’s scheduled performance at the event, only for her to be disinvited four weeks prior to the show.
Stephen Colbert [02:09]: “My next guest tonight is a comedian and bestselling author, you know, from the Amber Ruffin Show, Late night with Seth Meyers and have I got news for you. Please welcome to the Late Show Amber Ruffin.”
Amber Ruffin [02:32]: “I had said that it would be impossible to, you know, make jokes about both sides…”
Ruffin explains the challenges she faced in crafting jokes that addressed political polarization without favoring one side over the other.
Amber Ruffin [04:44]: “...saying that out loud now makes me glad that I got canceled.”
Despite the initial disappointment of being pulled from the lineup, Ruffin shares how the experience ultimately led to positive personal moments, such as a brunch that lifted her spirits.
Tough Comedy Rooms and Improv Experiences
Stephen dives deeper into Ruffin’s comedic background, exploring her experiences performing in challenging environments.
Amber Ruffin [05:36]: “So a million years ago, I used to work at this theater called Boom Chicago. Boom Chicago is a theater in Amsterdam.”
Ruffin recounts her time at Boom Chicago in Amsterdam, where she and her fellow comedians performed improv in challenging settings, including window performances in Mechs stores across Holland. She humorously describes these experiences as some of the worst shows she’s ever done.
Amber Ruffin [06:29]: “...It was the single worst show I've ever done. It was really bad.”
Current Projects: Have I Got News for You
Shifting focus to Ruffin’s current endeavors, Stephen highlights her role on CNN’s Have I Got News for You.
Amber Ruffin [07:32]: “...we battle it out to see who knows more about the news, but we're really just goofing around.”
Ruffin provides insight into the show's format, emphasizing the comedic interplay between team captains Roy Wood Jr., Michael, Ian Black, and herself. She underscores the show’s lighthearted approach to news commentary.
Musical Endeavors
The conversation then transitions to Ruffin’s impressive work in musical theatre. She discusses her contributions to Broadway productions and her latest project.
Amber Ruffin [08:04]: “I have done Some Like It Hot and rewrote the Wiz. And they were both on Broadway last year.”
Ruffin reveals she is currently developing a musical titled Bigfoot, centered around the mythical creature living in a town plagued by a corrupt mayor who scapegoats Bigfoot for the town’s problems. She teases the storyline without giving away the ending.
Amber Ruffin [08:53]: “I don't want to ruin it for you. But I wrote it, so of course it does.”
Her enthusiasm for the project reflects her creative spirit and commitment to storytelling through theatre.
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Stephen expresses his appreciation for Ruffin’s diverse talents and contributions to comedy and theatre.
Stephen Colbert [09:00]: “Amber. So lovely to have you on. Thanks for being here.”
He also promotes additional content available on The Late Show YouTube channel, encouraging listeners to engage further with her work.
Notable Quotes
- Amber Ruffin [02:32]: “...making jokes about both sides.”
- Amber Ruffin [04:44]: “...saying that out loud now makes me glad that I got canceled.”
- Amber Ruffin [06:29]: “It was the single worst show I've ever done. It was really bad.”
- Amber Ruffin [07:32]: “...we battle it out to see who knows more about the news, but we're really just goofing around.”
- Amber Ruffin [08:53]: “I don't want to ruin it for you. But I wrote it, so of course it does.”
Final Thoughts
This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert offers a comprehensive look into Amber Ruffin’s career, highlighting her resilience in the face of professional setbacks, her versatility across different entertainment mediums, and her ongoing creative projects. Whether discussing the intricacies of political humor or the challenges of musical theatre, Ruffin’s insights provide valuable perspectives for both fans and aspiring comedians.