S2·E61 Neil Patrick Harris, Megan Mullally

Episode recap

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s second‑season episode sixty‑one presents a two‑part guest lineup that blends literary discussion, musical parody, and a seasonal sketch. The episode opens with the recurring segment titled “The Nixon/Trump Letters: Volume I,” a comedic feature that frames the night’s conversation. Following the opening, Neil Patrick Harris appears as the first guest. In his interview, Harris turns his attention to the television adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” offering commentary on the series’ tone, production choices, and its place within contemporary television. The dialogue remains focused on the show’s narrative structure and its reception among audiences familiar with the source material.

After the discussion, Harris joins host Stephen Colbert for a musical interlude that reimagines the classic holiday tune “Jingle Bells.” The performance is described as “creepy,” emphasizing a deliberately unsettling arrangement that contrasts with the song’s traditional festive character. The pair’s rendition underscores the show’s willingness to experiment with genre conventions even within a late‑night format.

The second guest, Megan Mullally, is introduced for a separate interview segment. Mullally’s conversation centers on the film “Why Him?” where she provides insight into the movie’s themes, character dynamics, and her experience working on the project. The interview maintains a focus on the film’s narrative and production elements without diverging into unrelated topics.

The episode concludes with a holiday‑themed sketch titled “Smooshed: Holiday Edition.” This segment pairs Mullally with fellow comedian Nick Offerman, who appears alongside her to deliver a comedic take on seasonal celebrations. The sketch blends the two performers’ distinct comedic styles, delivering a brief, festive vignette that rounds out the program’s holiday‑oriented tone. Throughout the broadcast, Stephen Colbert’s signature satirical commentary provides connective tissue between the interviews, musical number, and sketch, creating a cohesive episode that balances literary discussion, parody, and holiday humor.