Colbert off air, feeling better

Stephen Colbert told Jimmy Kimmel on Tuesday that he looks and feels healthier since The Late Show ended in May. He no longer drinks a cup of poison every day, Colbert quipped.

“I have an opportunity to not think about the news every day, and I took it.”

Kimmel noticed the change

Kimmel said he saw Colbert at the Emmys and thought he seemed like a different person, appearing happier and healthier than before. Colbert responded with his poison joke.

“You seemed happier, you seemed healthier.”

Daily news cycle was toxic

Colbert described hosting as being lowered like carbon rods into a radioactive pool daily, then pulled out and put in front of a camera to radiate it back at the audience. He's now freed from that routine.

“To be lowered like carbon rods into a radioactive pool every day. And then to be pulled out and put in front of a camera.”

Conservative take on his relief

Newsbusters managing editor Curtis Houck said Colbert's happiness proves that obsessing over Trump and politics damages the soul, and urged Americans never to let politics completely consume their lives.

“Never let politics completely consume your life.”

Show won Emmy after cancellation

The Late Show won Outstanding Variety Series at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, months after airing its final episode in May. Colbert attended the ceremony.

Colbert dodges Trump cancellation question

When CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister asked if Trump was responsible for the cancellation, Colbert repeatedly deflected, joking about complimenting her dress and pretending not to hear. He avoided a direct answer.

Optimistic about late night's future

Despite his departure, Colbert said late-night television remains funny and vital. He praised other hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, John Stewart, and Seth Meyers, calling it a gift to work with such people.

“I think that late night is just as funny and just as vital as it ever has been.”