The sexiest television moment of 2021 has finally arrived, and it took place on Global‘s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”.
That’s because Tuesday’s edition of the late-night talk show revealed the identity of People‘s Sexiest Man Alive for 2021: Paul Rudd.

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Prior to the big reveal, Colbert served up a bit of bait and switch by having Rudd appeared in a hilarious sketch, in which he interviewed for the position.
In order to figure out who @people's #SexiestManAlive is, @StephenAtHome put candidate Paul Rudd through a comprehensive sexy evaluation. Here’s exclusive footage of the exam. pic.twitter.com/m2TKt4M275
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) November 10, 2021
However, Colbert then unbaited his switch to reveal that Rudd actually is the new Sexiest Man Alive, for real.
The sexy test is not complete until @StephenAtHome does a physical evaluation. Paul Rudd's final exams are underway for @people's #SexiestManAlive! pic.twitter.com/JqqOdTKiIK
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) November 10, 2021
People confirmed Colbert’s big reveal via social media.
Meanwhile, on Monday’s show, Colbert addressed widespread reports that “Avengers” star Chris Evans was a lock for this year’s Sexiest Man Alive, admitting he was legally “unable to confirm or deny Chris Evans sexiness.”
Big announcement about the Sexiest Man Alive announcement! #LSSC #SexiestManAlive pic.twitter.com/DeLSWs7VqU
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) November 9, 2021
Check out how some of Rudd’s celebrity pals, co-stars and admirers – including Seth Rogen, Mark Ruffalo and more — responded to his new Sexiest title.
No arguments here. https://t.co/Ad0GJBoIVa
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) November 10, 2021
Is that Paul Rudd…#SexiestManAlive?! I knew this day would come. Congrats, man 🥳 I hope you continue to never age so you can continue to hold this title. https://t.co/OrD8OThrFn pic.twitter.com/54oUwHNmrh
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) November 10, 2021
Ummm…yeah. 🙄 https://t.co/UzkS7ojX03
— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) November 10, 2021
I have mixed emotions about this. https://t.co/1RQ7VXzMpp
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) November 10, 2021
.@TheSimpsons Congratulations to People Magazine’s sexiest man alive Paul Rudd (on right). pic.twitter.com/cst7FUnR4p
— Al Jean (@AlJean) November 10, 2021
Congratulations to Paul Rudd on being named People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive of 2021. pic.twitter.com/DjgqwAPHjc
— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) November 10, 2021
“The Late Show” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on Global.
