In the highly polished and often predictable world of late-night television, genuine moments of spontaneous chaos are a rare and cherished commodity. We have grown accustomed to the familiar rhythm of rehearsed anecdotes and carefully crafted promotional plugs. But every so often, a host and guest pairing comes along that shatters the formula, creating television that is not just entertaining, but truly, electrifyingly alive. There is perhaps no better modern example of this phenomenon than the unpredictable and deeply hilarious friendship between actor Josh Brolin and The Late Show host Stephen Colbert.
Their interviews have become must-see events, not for the projects being promoted, but for the sheer, unscripted mayhem and authentic affection that invariably unfolds. Their most recent encounter was a masterclass in this delightful anarchy. Brolin, ostensibly there to discuss a recent 36-pound weight loss, decided the best way to continue the conversation was to lie flat on his back across Colbert’s formidable desk, playfully declaring he wanted to “inhale some of Colbert’s funny.” Without missing a beat, Colbert abandoned his role as host and became an impromptu masseuse, a moment of unfiltered absurdity that had the audience roaring with laughter and cemented their status as late-night’s most endearing duo.
This “unhinged” moment is just the latest chapter in a friendship that has been built over years of memorable appearances. When Brolin last visited, the somber news had just broken that CBS was canceling Colbert’s show. Brolin immediately diffused the tension with a perfect joke, quipping that it was a good thing because Colbert would finally have time to watch his classic 1985 film, The Goonies. On another occasion, Brolin arrived bearing a peculiar gift: a doll with his own face on it, an odd token of affection that Colbert accepted with amused grace.
But their connection runs deeper than just jokes. The two have also bonded over a shared love of the classics, once breaking into a spontaneous joint poetry recitation that was as impressive as it was unexpected. It is this unique ability to pivot effortlessly from the profound to the profane, all while maintaining an undercurrent of genuine respect and admiration, that makes their dynamic so compelling.
In an era where many celebrity interactions feel sanitized for public consumption, their chemistry is refreshingly authentic. Brolin arrives not as an actor on a press tour, but as a friend ready to stir up trouble. Colbert, in turn, sheds the structured persona of a host and becomes a willing and joyful participant in the chaos. This authenticity is a powerful draw for viewers, who can sense the real friendship beneath the jokes, making the laughter feel earned and the moments more meaningful. It’s a throwback to an older, looser style of talk show, where conversations could wander into unexpected territory and the host and guest were true collaborators in entertainment.
The delightful absurdity of their interviews is now, however, tinged with a touch of poignancy. It was recently announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is scheduled to end its run in May 2026. But this is more than just Colbert’s successful ten-year tenure coming to a close; it is the end of an institution. As Colbert himself explained to his audience, he is not being replaced. The show, which first aired in 1993 with the legendary David Letterman at the helm, will be permanently retired by the network.
This knowledge adds a new weight to his recent interviews, making each laugh-filled, chaotic moment with friends like Brolin feel even more precious. As the clock ticks down on a significant chapter of television history, these moments of unscripted joy will be what viewers remember most. They are a testament to the power of authentic human connection in an industry that often feels anything but, and a beautiful blueprint for what late-night entertainment can, and should, be: spontaneous, heartfelt, and, above all, incredibly fun.
