When viewers tuned in to Comedy Central on Wednesday night expecting a new episode of "Colbert Report," they were instead met with a rerun of the Stephen Colbert-led "fake news" favorite.

Deadline reports that when the audience members turned up for Colbert's Wednesday show, they were turned away and told that the show had been canceled for "unforseen reasons," and would be suspended for at least the rest of the week and possibly longer.

"The Colbert Report's" companion show, Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show," is airing as scheduled.

http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/the-colbert-report-suspends-show-reason-unknown/

http://www-deadline-com.vimg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Colbert_Report_logo__120216082410.png

I hope Colbert is okay.

Yeah, sounds like some kind of emergency/personal stuff going on. That show is a huge hit and they would be very hesitant to just cancel it, even temporarily.

I'm not a huge fan of the show, honestly. The guy's witty and all, but the whole 'fake conservative pundit' angle gets kind of old for me. Regardless, I certainly hope Colbert and everyone associated with the show is OK.

Stephen Colbert's Mother Lorna Ill
2/17/12


"The Colbert Report" has been temporarily suspended due to the host's mother, Lorna Colbert, 91, falling ill, sources close to the show say.

Since news broke early yesterday morning that new episodes of "The Colbert Report" had been abruptly put on hold due to "unforeseen circumstances," speculation as to the reason has ranged far and wide. Many fans suspected a family illness, while others speculated that the host had been fired or that he was engaging in some kind of bizarre PR stunt.





While "The Daily Show" has previously cancelled shows at the last minute -- once for the birth of Jon Stewart's second child and once after the death of a staffer -- this is the first time "The Colbert Report" has done so.

On Thursday, a person who has a business relationship with the network told The Huffington Post that the host's mother was seriously ill, and on Friday, The New York Post cited an additional source who confirmed the illness.

According to that source, the network has remained tight-lipped over the situation because the Colberts are "a very private family."





Colbert was born the youngest of 11 children to his mother Lorna and father James Colbert. Tragedy struck the family in 1974, when James and two of Colbert's brothers, Peter and Paul, were killed in the crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 in Charlotte, N.C. Colbert was 10 years old at the time.

Fans and supporters have been tweeting messages of love and support for Colbert and his family since early Thursday. The show will continue in reruns until the host is able to return.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/17/stephen-colbert-mother-lorna-ill_n_1284415.html?

So sorry to hear the news!! I hope Mr. Colbert's mom will pull through.

A Comedy Central spokesman has confirmed that The Colbert Report will air originals again beginning Monday “as originally scheduled.” The show’s website includes the schedule for the upcoming week, including guests Nancy Pelosi and Placido Domingo. The faux-news show starring Stephen Colbert took an unplanned hiatus beginning on Wednesday, when ticketholders to that night’s taping were notified that episodes of the show had been canceled due to “unforeseen circumstances” for at least the rest of the week. There were rumors Colbert stepped away to care for his ill mother, but the network never gave a reason for the stoppage. Colbert did post on Twitter on Friday: “My family and I would like to thank everyone who has offered their thoughts and prayers. We are grateful and touched by your concern.”

http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/the-colbert-report-to-resume-monday/

VIDEO: Stephen Colbert Explains His Absence
Feb 21, 2012
by Joyce Eng



Colbert did not delve into any specifics, but he addressed his mysterious absence from "The Colbert Report" on Monday night's show:




"Before we start the broadcast tonight I want to address my recent absence from the national conversation. As the hub from around which the republic turns I can understand why the machinery of this great nation came to a halt last week when you were denied this.



Folks, there were some wild rumors about why I was gone. These are some actual rumors:

- some folks said that my show was canceled by the FCC at the request of the Federal Election Commission because I was to announce my presidential candidacy.

- others said I was canceled because I had offended The Catholic Church because I compared The Pope's hat to a giant, yet stylish prophylactic.

- others said that I was in rehab, if they happen to have that for Diet Coke.

- one person (Joan Rivers) accused me of taking time off to have plastic surgery.



Here are the rumors, now we're moving on.

As we all know there are enemies of America out there who have had a free ride for too long, and that ends tonight, just like every night. Are you ready to go get these bastards? Then what are we waiting for... this is 'The Colbert Report'."

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Stephen-Colbert-Returns-1043592.aspx

....give someone the time to finish tending to an ill (or departed) family member- whomever it may be- then let them return to whatever they're doing.

:tv: