Ep 12: The Strike Force Five Says Goodbye (with a Special Guest)

Summary of Ep 12: The Strike Force Five Says Goodbye (with a Special Guest)

by Strike Force Five

58m•October 10, 2023
Listen to Episode

Summary — Ep 12: The Strike Force Five Says Goodbye (with a Special Guest)

Overview

This is the 12th and final episode of the Strike Force Five podcast — a reunion-style, freewheeling conversation among five late-night hosts (Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel) about returning to work after the writers’ strike, behind-the-scenes stories, production mishaps, and gratitude for the staff they were supporting. The episode features a surprise guest appearance from Ryan Reynolds, who sponsors the show via Mint Mobile (and previously helped with Aviation Gin), plus a musical recap by Josh Meyers.

Hosts & Special Guest

  • Hosts: Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel
  • Special Guest / Sponsor cameo: Ryan Reynolds (Mint Mobile)
  • Production shout-outs: editor Mike Chaffee, Josh Meyers (song recap)

Key Points & Main Takeaways

  • This was the show’s final episode (they joke about “stop at 11” but confirm episode 12 is the end).
  • The podcast was created during the writers’ strike to raise money and support staff; the hosts found it emotionally sustaining during the strike.
  • Ryan Reynolds (Mint Mobile) appears in a paid epilogue ad and donated/sponsored significantly, which the hosts publicly thank.
  • Merchandise was surprisingly successful: t-shirts and hats sold well (multiple printings); merch available at strikeforce5.com.
  • The hosts traded behind-the-scenes anecdotes including:
    • Production snafus (forgotten band cue, Slack notifications missed, t-shirt cannon accidentally hitting an audience member).
    • Nervousness returning to live shows and the odd things they did to cope (Colbert’s joking “dolphin” cold open).
    • Editing/monologue habits debate (who does — or doesn't — cut jokes).
  • They reflected on controversial moments in their careers and the process of apologizing when jokes go wrong (examples: jokes that upset Milwaukee, Detroit, marching bands).
  • Personal and nostalgic memories about classic TV figures (Regis, Letterman) and guest memories from their own careers.
  • The episode ends with a playful, repetitive song recap by Josh Meyers (“I hope you have enjoyed Strike Force Five”) and thanks to staff and sponsors.

Notable Quotes / Insights

  • “I think 11 episodes was the number we should have ended at.” — Jimmy (joked about ideal length)
  • Ryan Reynolds (self-mocking sponsor epilogue): “This podcast is the darkest crease in the anus of the universe.” — Ryan
  • “This show was a lifeline for me… it kept my brain from unraveling.” — One of the hosts (speaking sincerely about the emotional support the podcast provided during the strike)
  • Recurring refrain in Josh Myers’ song: “I hope you have enjoyed Strike Force Five” (used as a comic, affectionate sign-off)

Topics Discussed

  • Returning to work after the strike: nerves, readjustment, skipped meetings, Slack workflow
  • Production mishaps and anecdotes (t-shirt cannon, band cue, mic/voice problems)
  • Joke editing practices and writers’ roles
  • Guest memories and first guests post-strike (mentions include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Matthew McConaughey, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Tracy Morgan)
  • Lessons about audience reactions and apologies when jokes offend (Milwaukee, Detroit examples)
  • Merch sales and fundraising outcomes
  • Sponsor partnerships (Mint Mobile, Aviation Gin) and Ryan Reynolds’ involvement
  • Gratitude to production staff and editor Mike Chaffee
  • Musical recap by Josh Meyers as send-off

Action Items / Recommendations

  • Merch: strikeforce5.com — t-shirts and hats are on sale (multiple printings sold).
  • Sponsor offer: mintmobile.com/strikeforce — promotional Mint Unlimited plan mentioned during the episode (sponsor promo).
  • Suggested listens: episode 5 (Fallon episode) highlighted as a favorite; the Letterman episode called memorable — consider sampling earlier episodes for standout moments.
  • If you want a quick recap instead of listening: play Josh Meyers’ song included in this episode (serves as a humorous summary).

Tone & Final Note

The episode balances levity and sincere gratitude. It’s part farewell, part backstage oral history: a mix of jokes, self-deprecation, production confessions, and a genuine thanks to staff and sponsors that enabled the project. The musical sign-off repeats the sentiment — they hope listeners enjoyed the run.