Stephen Colbert (both man and character) is a well-publicized fan of Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium. In honour of the newest Tolkien release, he kicks off a week of Hobbit-themed shows on The Colbert Report with a shireful of special guests.

Monday, Dec 3: Ian McKellen (Gandalf)
Tuesday, Dec 4: Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins)
Wednesday, Dec 5: Peter Jackson (Director)
Thursday, Dec 6: Andy Serkis (Gollum)

Here are three reasons why Colbert is the biggest Tolkien fan on TV

1.    He fully explained the US debt crisis through Lord of the Rings

2.    He schooled James Franco in a Tolkien trivia challenge

3.    He got to hold Sting when Elijah Wood visited The Colbert Report

The Colbert Report airs Monday - Thursday at 11:30ep on The Comedy Network

Cruise over to our Contest page for your chance to win tickets to an advance screening of The Hobbit in Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, or Calgary.