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Rendering all his trademark crazy energy and never a dull moment, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert was comedic gold with Ben Schwartz. Schwartz, who among other things was in Sonic the Hedgehog and Parks and Recreation, was supposed to be on the show for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 promotion but somehow wiped out the interview proceedings with his invention of a childish game called “Battle Under the Bridge.” The clip shows the two comedians practically rehearsing thumb wars amid so much laughter and joking that they completely forgot to return to regular talk show formats.
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Schwartz started off the video with stating, “I’m never a pilot man,” and then immediately followed up these words with the insane antics of battling thumbs under that oh-so-hit imaginary bridge. One point in the madness has Schwartz shouting over and over, “I’m gonna win!,” and Colbert scrambling to keep up. The comedian even thrown in a joke about him going limp for the fight, with Colbert shooting back with, “I’m not in hospice!” Epic chaos ensued climaxing with Schwartz jabbering in the middle of the vaccinating about December 20, the release date of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Besides that moment, the audience could not stop laughing. One user summed up perfectly the good vibes: “Schwartz & Colbert energy is life-giving no matter the day.” Others praised the anarchic energy that Schwartz created with his own ability to bifurcate rehearsals with spontaneous wit: “anytime I’ve seen Ben on a show like this he always completely de-rails it by going full improv mode.” An amused user confessed she was infected with a huge smile by the end.
Further, some comments specify this one was just another late-night interview that Schwartz did through the circuit while promoting Sonic films. “I’m gonna miss Ben going on Stephen’s show to promote the Sonic movies,” said a fan, while another said, “never seen any of the sonic movies, BUT I am so grateful that they exist because your interviews are hilarious.” Clearly, this clip has touched an emotional chord in many, and that is why multiple people go around calling this one of their favorite Late Show moments.
It really went peak illogical when Schwartz made up “Thumbore underneath” on the spur of the moment, which evolved into “Battle Under the Bridge.” Colbert’s whisper to Schwartz, at one point, “you’ll never be invited back here again,” almost sent readers to tears. The entire segment quickly proved why Schwartz is one of the most beloved late-night guests in that willingness to just toss the script and conjure up weird, memorable moments.
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It is perhaps another matter that the last time Schwartz was real mess on Colbert’s show was not too long ago. So good is the chemistry that one fan started a petition to get Stephen Colbert to join Ben Schwartz and Friends on tour. Another fan opined that they should take over the Ed Sullivan Theatre for an improv variety show. Only time will tell if these two comedy masters reunite, but for now, fans have this fresh iteration of them crafting magic out of pure silliness. And if that’s not enough for you, try and catch Ben Schwartz as Sonic when Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hits theatres on December 20th: judging from the comments, folks just might be even more hyped about his next talk show appearance!