When "The Colbert Report" had a two-day suspension last week, fans freaked out. Rumors began to spread, with some fans even speculating that Colbert had died. As soon as we fans began to show the first signs of a true mental disorder, complete with head twitching, the announcement came that the show would be back after only two days off the air.
Colbert took the two day hiatus after his mother became ill. All the fans agree that Colbert did the right thing. Family comes first for Colbert, which makes fans respect him even more. That's all wonderful, but what will happen the next time "The Colbert Report" needs to be suspended? The fact that the show only goes on hiatus when something really horrible happens makes the idea of another suspension truly worrisome to fans of the show. What can they do to alleviate our fears the next time the show needs to go on hiatus?
Give us a warning
The least they could do is put a short message on the screen, before the start of a rerun, letting the fans know that the show will be back soon. At least then the fans will know that Colbert is still alive and kicking. In fact, maybe they should even mention the fact that Colbert is still alive in the message. In addition, if Colbert knows about the hiatus ahead of time, he should mention it at the end of the previous show.
Take a short (one day) break, for the sake of taking a break
Colbert has never taken any breaks, besides a one-day joke suspension in honor of John McCain's presidential campaign suspension in 2008. He obviously has an honorable work ethic. The only problem is that when the show does take a break, it causes fans to worry.
Taking a break for the sake of taking a break would probably be the least favorable decision, however, since it would cause the fans to miss out on a ton of social commentary. Fans would see various news items throughout the day, wondering how Colbert will spin them. With no Colbert, we fans will have no satirical outlet, and could possibly lose our minds.
Find some talented guest hosts
Another option would be to have a back-up plan by having some talented guest hosts lined up. They would need more than one option, and each guest host would have to be available at a moment's notice. Most importantly, they would have to be tested as guests on the show, to see how the fans react.
A guest host could not only keep the news satire going, but could possibly provide information on why they are there, and when Colbert will return. The information could prevent future mass twitter freak-outs by the fans.
