S2·E67 The Best in Late Show Retrospectacular End-of-Year Wrapupabration! 4

Episode recap

The episode opens with Stephen Colbert delivering a post‑Thanksgiving monologue that serves as a continuation of the year‑in‑review theme that has been building throughout the season. In keeping with the show’s tradition of using the opening segment to frame the night’s content, Colbert’s remarks reference highlights from the past twelve months, positioning the monologue as a bridge between the holiday period and the final weeks of the year.

Following the monologue, the program moves to its interview portion, featuring a conversation with actor Will Smith. The interview is paired with a segment of stargazing, indicating that the discussion extends beyond a conventional talk format to include an outdoor or observational element. The inclusion of stargazing suggests a visual or experiential component that accompanies the dialogue with Smith, though the specific topics addressed remain unspecified.

The next major segment showcases a musical performance by actress and singer Anna Kendrick. The synopsis notes that Kendrick is “singing,” confirming that the episode includes a live or pre‑recorded vocal performance. No further details about the song choice or arrangement are provided, but the presence of a musical number aligns with the show’s practice of featuring guest artists in a performance capacity.

The episode concludes with a segment identified as “the Furry Hat.” While the synopsis does not elaborate on the nature of this piece, the title implies a comedic or whimsical element that fits within the Late Show’s late‑night variety format. The Furry Hat segment appears to be part of the broader end‑of‑year wrap‑up celebration, serving as a final, light‑hearted touch to the program.

Overall, the episode maintains the structure of a late‑night talk show while emphasizing a retrospective tone. By combining a post‑Thanksgiving monologue, an interview and stargazing with Will Smith, a singing appearance by Anna Kendrick, and the quirky Furry Hat segment, the broadcast delivers a concise yet varied selection of content that reflects on the year’s moments and prepares viewers for the season’s conclusion.