Fox's Colmes plays Colbert's sidekick

NEW YORK — Divorced from his longtime co-host Sean Hannity, Alan Colmes was adopted by Stephen Colbert — for a day, at least.

On Monday's "The Colbert Report," Colbert introduced the Fox News commentator as his new co-host.

It was the first episode of the Comedy Central show following the holiday break, and Colbert unveiled a completely new format, dubbing the show "Colbert & Colmes." The new design featured a chair behind the desk for Colmes (albeit one a foot or two shorter than Colbert's).

In November, Fox News announced that Colmes, the liberal half of "Hannity & Colmes" for the last 12 years, was leaving the show but would remain a commentator on the channel.

Sensing he could push around his liberal sidekick, Colbert — who plays a mock conservative pundit — gave Colmes a list of preapproved comments, such as, "Hamburger, you're good."Colbert made it clear he was still in charge. Graphics repeatedly overlaid Colmes' face and when Colbert went to interview his guest — John King of CNN — he told Colmes, "No, no. Stay, stay."

At the end of the show, the comic said he and Colmes would be back every night with "hard-hitting political opinions" (pointing to himself) "and top-notch listening" (pointing to Colmes).

But an argument ensued when Colmes pointed out errors in a metaphor Colbert concocted. The two parted ways with Colmes exclaiming "Boo-yah, Colmes away!" before, in a puff of smoke, he turned into a bat.

Reached by phone Tuesday, Colmes had returned to his human self.

"It was very well done," said Colmes, who is developing a new show for Fox News.

As to how working with Colbert compares to working with Hannity, Colmes said: "Both are extremely gracious, although I feel a lot taller sitting next to Sean Hannity."