Stephen Colbert Returns to TV, Addresses Cancellation Rumors

Last week, Stephen Colbert mysteriously disappeared from his nightly Comedy Central series, The Colbert Report, with little notice and without explanation. But now, he’s back.

While the network released a statement at the time citing “unforseen circumstances” as a reason for the hiatus of indeterminate length, it was later reported that Colbert’s 91-year-old mother, Lorna, was ill and that he’d left suddenly to tend to her. He tweeted his appreciation to concerned fans shortly after the news broke: “My family and I would like to thank everyone who has offered their thoughts and prayers. We are grateful and touched by your concern.” But luckily, Lorna is doing well and Colbert was able to return to his staunch faux opinions and unrelentingly patriotic set to deliver an adorable nod to his “tough as nails” mama and an explanation for his short, sudden absence – with a little fun at the expense of those who offered outlandish theories for his absence. We’re looking at you, Joan Rivers.