The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Episode Summary: "Meanwhile | A Pig Named ‘Six Seven’"
Date: December 14, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Stephen Colbert delivers his signature "Meanwhile" segment—a rapid-fire, satirical roundup of quirky news stories, pop culture oddities, and social commentary. With his usual playful irreverence, Colbert covers everything from unusual fast-food promotions and viral trends to animal news and bizarre human behaviors. The highlight of the episode is the story of a pig named "Six Seven" being granted a pardon, which Colbert weaves into an elaborate, tongue-in-cheek narrative.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introduction to “Meanwhile”
- Colbert playfully likens his monologue to crafting Nigerian Jollof rice, and his “Meanwhile” segment to scrounging together a “drifter jambalaya of news” (01:11–02:04).
- Quote: “[I] dump the rice from a half eaten Crunchwrap Supreme into an empty tuna can with a slice of wiener I stole from a crow and heated over a sewer grate to make the drifter jambalaya of news.” — Stephen Colbert (01:23)
2. Fast Food News
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McDonald’s “Grinch Meal” (02:06)
- McDonald’s introduces a limited-edition adult Happy Meal collaboration with Dr. Seuss. Colbert jokes about the meal’s potential side effects: “If you eat enough McDonald's, your heart will also grow three sizes.” (02:06)
- Mocks the ad campaign featuring The Grinch hoarding fries: “Weird thing to say about something you're actively attempting to sell…Reminds me of that old Men’s Warehouse slogan: ‘You're gonna like the way I look.’” — Stephen Colbert (02:38)
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Pizza Hut’s $90 Holiday Onesie (06:00)
- The onesie features the Pizza Hut logo and holiday designs. Comes with a four-item box, poking fun at breaking convention: “You want pizza by the book? Why don't you and that stick up your ass head over to Domino's. This is Pizza Hut's house. How dare you.” (07:05)
- Satirizes the lack of romance: “Perfect for date nights when you want to snuggle up and have zero access to each other’s genitals.” (07:23)
3. Quirkier News
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Louisiana Man’s Bomb Threat to Avoid Parking Fee (03:27)
- A man allegedly called in a bomb threat to avoid paying for airport parking. Colbert marvels: “Brilliant. Wrong, but brilliant and wrong.” (03:29)
- Jokes about future attempts to avoid fines: “He might have a plan.” (03:38)
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Justin Trudeau & Katy Perry Instagram Official (03:44)
- Satirical outrage: “As an American, I cannot stand for a Canadian maple tapping one of our American pop stars.” (03:46)
- Suggests Hillary Clinton should retaliate by dating a Canadian music star.
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Lidl’s Croissant Scented Fragrance (03:58)
- Colbert, tongue in cheek: “Finally. I'm so tired of stuffing my armpits with King's Hawaiian rolls. They're comfy. Gets gummy.” (04:05)
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Tech & Attention Span (04:13)
- Research notes excessive phone checking impairs focus; Colbert gets distracted mid-bit by an animal video, mocking himself and the topic: “The goose and dog are friends...What's my name? Stephen Colbert. There you go, Stephen Colbert. They got the ear right.” (04:15–04:36)
4. Animals Using Tools & Animal Stories
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Wolf in BC Uses Tools (04:37)
- A British Columbia wolf is filmed using a crab pot, the first documented case of a wild wolf using a tool.
- Colbert can’t resist the punchline: “Though it's not the first instance of a wolf being a tool.” (05:30)
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Pig Named “Six Seven” Pardoned in Miami (08:10)
- Highlight story: Miami-Dade mayor pardons a pig, “Six Seven,” in a tongue-in-cheek ceremony.
- Colbert’s riff: “Which sounds cute…until you find out he was pardoned for murder. Yeah, he strangled a guy over a gambling debt. The guy would have paid him. Just needed more time. Pig wouldn’t listen. And now it’s free. Thanks, Mayor of Miami Dade. You pardoned a murderer. He would have been delicious.” (08:31)
- Admits joke keeps running on: “The actual written part of that joke ended about 45 seconds ago. But I liked it so much that I inflicted it on you.” (09:13)
5. Viral Trends & Social Commentary
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In-N-Out Bans “67” & “69” Order Numbers (07:40)
- After the “67 trend” goes viral (no specifics given), both “67” and “69” are banned at In-N-Out. Colbert feigns shock: “Really. You’re going to lose the number 69, but keep the name In-N-Out?” (07:51)
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Human Monogamy Study (09:26)
- Humans rank between meerkats and beavers for monogamy; California deer mouse is the most monogamous, Scottish Soay sheep the least.
- Colbert: “Me and the wife noticed you across the moor and we like your vibe, huh? You want to get woolly?” (09:45)
6. Unusual Crime & Animal Rescues
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NYC Ties Homicide-Free Stretch (09:53)
- Good news, but humorously presented: “Bad news is New Yorkers still measure time by how long it’s been since we were murdered.” (09:58)
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Florida Man Teleported by X-Men (10:05)
- After being arrested in a stolen BMW, a Florida man claims he was teleported there by X-Men: “You saved me from the aliens. Hey, he was just exercising his Miranda rights.” (10:10)
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Lineman Rescues Bear from Power Pole (10:25)
- Lineman prods bear down from a utility pole; Colbert invents the bear’s response: “Why do I even have a union?” (10:34)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On “Meanwhile” Jokes’ Longevity:
- “I want you to know the actual written part of that joke ended about 45 seconds ago. But I liked it so much that I inflicted it on you.” — Stephen Colbert (09:13)
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Fast Food Satires:
- “You want pizza by the book? Why don't you and that stick up your ass head over to Domino's. This is Pizza Hut's house. How dare you.” (07:05)
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Absurdist Animal Anthropomorphism:
- “Me and the wife noticed you across the moor and we like your vibe…You want to get woolly?” (09:45)
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Colbert's Self-Parody:
- “I love the sound of my own voice.” (09:19)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Start of "Meanwhile" Segment: 01:11
- McDonald’s “Grinch Meal”: 02:06
- Lidl’s Croissant Fragrance: 03:58
- Wolf Using Tool: 04:37
- Pizza Hut Holiday Onesie: 06:00
- Pig “Six Seven” Pardoned: 08:10
- In-N-Out Bans “67” and “69”: 07:40
- Monogamy Study: 09:26
- Bear Utility Rescue: 10:25
Overall Tone and Style
Colbert’s delivery is quick-witted, irreverent, and filled with surreal analogies. The episode exemplifies his playful approach to current affairs and pop culture, laced with absurdist humor, clever puns, and meta-commentary on the structure of late-night comedy itself.
Recommended for:
Fans who enjoy satirical takes on the week’s oddest stories, or anyone looking for clever, rapid-fire comedy that blends news and social commentary with Stephen Colbert’s uniquely whimsical voice.