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What a difference six years makes.
Back in 2012, when the narrative of the Motor City was very depressing, comedians like Stephen Colbert used Detroit as a punchline, again and again and again. For example, Colbert, who then hosted "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central, talked about a defunct satellite that was headed toward earth "where it will destroy everything in its path. Let's just pray it lands somewhere it can't do any damage, like Detroit."
Some Detroiters felt they had enough.
Stephen Colbert takes a shot at Detroit.
In 2012, Megan Deal, now Megan Trischler, helped create a Facebook page, "Colbert Does Detroit -- And So Can You," as part of a campaign to get the funnyman to come to Detroit and see first hand that there was some goodness here.
"We noticed there were an increasing number of jabs being taken at Detroit for the sake of humor," says Trischler in a phone interview with Deadline Detroit on Wednesday as she explained the reason for creating the website. The site generated interest but Colbert never responded.
Things have changed here since 2012. In recent years, billionaire Dan Gilbert has unleashed a torrent of money and new development, along with others, and new restaurants and bars are regularly popping up in the central business district. Some neighborhoods like Boston Edison and the University District have also gotten a second wind.
As for the narrative: The New York Times and other national publication can't say enough good about Detroit and some restaurants like Lady of the House on Trumbell and Bagley. It's also been a while since anyone can recall Colbert taking a shot at Detroit.
"I have to say that certainly the narrative has changed," Trischler says, adding that these are exciting times for the city.
As for the Facebook page, she says that was taken down a couple years ago. She also moved to Cincinnati about five years ago to work for a philanthropic organizaton, but still returns home to the Detroit area where her family still resides.
We called Colbert Wednesday afternoon and left a detailed message with someone at the show to see if he wants to visit. He didn't immediately respond.
But fair to say, all is forgiven, and he's welcome any time.
Really, Stephen, no one here will beat your ass -- at least not for telling a joke
Below is a WXYZ report from 2012:
