Last episode
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Series Finale
s2026e65 · 2026-05-22
Ended · US
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
CBS Talk Show
What it is
Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the #1 show in late-night. Featuring bandleader Jon Batiste with his band Stay Human, the Emmy Award-nominated show broadcasts from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. He talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology, and more. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer, and writer of The Late Show on Sept. 8, 2015. Colbert is best known for his work as a television host, writer, actor, and producer, and lest known for his charity work teaching English as a second language on Tunisian date farms. Before joining the CBS family -- and being officially adopted by network president Les Moonves -- Colbert helmed The Colbert Report, which aired nearly 1,500 episodes and required Stephen to wear nearly 1,500 different neckties. The program received two Peabody Awards, two Grammy Awards, and several unwelcome shoulder massages. It won two Emmys for Outstanding Variety Series in 2013 and 2014, both of which appear to have been lost in the move. Colbert is pronounced koʊlˈbɛər, according to Wikipedia. His understudy is William Cavanaugh, who will be hosting The Late Show approximately one-third of the time. Good luck, Bill!
Episode highlights
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Episode guide
170 this season · 1817 totals2021e01 Stacey Abrams, RuPaul Charles, Maren Morris 2021-01-05 04:35
Stacey Abrams, RuPaul Charles, Maren Morris
Voting rights activist Stacey Abrams; TV personality RuPaul Charles; musical performance by Maren Morris.
s2021e02 Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Anya Taylor-Joy 2021-01-06 04:35
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Anya Taylor-Joy
Author Dr. Sanjay Gupta; actress Anya Taylor-Joy.
s2021e03 Amy Klobuchar, Adam Kinzinger, Jamila Woods (Live Show) 2021-01-07 04:35
Amy Klobuchar, Adam Kinzinger, Jamila Woods (Live Show)
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL); musical performance by Jamila Woods; special live episode following today's storming of the United States Capitol.
s2021e04 Rachel Brosnahan, Julien Baker 2021-01-08 04:35
Rachel Brosnahan, Julien Baker
Actress Rachel Brosnahan; musical performance by Julien Baker.
s2021e05 George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, The Mountain Goats 2021-01-09 04:35
George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, The Mountain Goats
'The Colbert Questionnert' featuring George Clooney, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep; musical performance by The Mountain Goats.
s2021e06 Chris Rock, Joss Stone, Aubrey Plaza 2021-01-12 04:35
Chris Rock, Joss Stone, Aubrey Plaza
Comic Chris Rock; musical performance by Joss Stone; special appearance by Aubrey Plaza.
s2021e07 James Comey, Lili Reinhart 2021-01-13 04:35
James Comey, Lili Reinhart
Former FBI Director and author James Comey; actress Lili Reinhart.
s2021e08 Samantha Bee, Paul Mescal 2021-01-14 04:35
Samantha Bee, Paul Mescal
TV host Samantha Bee; actor Paul Mescal.
s2021e09 Senator Bernie Sanders, FINNEAS 2021-01-15 04:35
Senator Bernie Sanders, FINNEAS
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); musical performance by FINNEAS.
s2021e10 John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, Alex Wagner, The War On Drugs 2021-01-16 04:35
John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, Alex Wagner, The War On Drugs
The TV hosts of 'The Circus': John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, and Alex Wagner; musical performance by The War On Drugs.
s2021e11 Senator Cory Booker, Infinity Song, Laura Benanti, Gilbert Gottfried 2021-01-19 04:35
Senator Cory Booker, Infinity Song, Laura Benanti, Gilbert Gottfried
Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.); musical performance by Infinity Song; special appearance by actress Laura Benanti; special appearance by comedian Gilbert Gottfried.
s2021e12 Jason Segel, Black Pumas 2021-01-20 04:35
Jason Segel, Black Pumas
Actor Jason Segel; musical performance by Black Pumas.
s2021e13 Jon Lovett, Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor, Peter CottonTale, Chance The Rapper, Cynthia Erivo, Chicago Children's Choir, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, Kofi Lost (Live Show) 2021-01-21 04:35
Jon Lovett, Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor, Peter CottonTale, Chance The Rapper, Cynthia Erivo, Chicago Children's Choir, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, Kofi Lost (Live Show)
The hosts of 'Pod Save America': Jon Lovett, Jon Favreau, and Tommy Vietor; musical performance of 'Together' by Peter CottonTale, Chance The Rapper and Cynthia Erivo featuring the Chicago Children's Choir, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Kofi Lost (LIVE ET/delayed PT following today's U.S. Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden).
s2021e14 Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Derek DelGaudio, Frank Oz 2021-01-22 04:35
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Derek DelGaudio, Frank Oz
Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas; magician Derek DelGaudio and director Frank Oz on their new movie 'In & Of Itself.'
s2021e15 Serena Williams, Dayglow 2021-01-26 04:35
Serena Williams, Dayglow
Professional tennis player Serena Williams; musical performance by Dayglow.
s2021e16 Colin Firth, Stanley Tucci, Adrianne Lenker 2021-01-27 04:35
Colin Firth, Stanley Tucci, Adrianne Lenker
Actor Colin Firth; actor Stanley Tucci; musical performance by Adrianne Lenker.
s2021e17 Billy Crystal, Rep. Jackie Speier 2021-01-28 04:35
Billy Crystal, Rep. Jackie Speier
Actor Billy Crystal; Representative Jackie Speier (D-Calif.).
s2021e18 Viggo Mortensen, Charles Blow 2021-01-29 04:35
Viggo Mortensen, Charles Blow
Actor Viggo Mortensen; journalist Charles Blow.
s2021e19 Best of President Biden & Vice President Harris 2021-01-30 04:35
Best of President Biden & Vice President Harris
The best of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris from past show appearances; Dr. Jill Biden also appears.
s2021e20 Ethan Hawke, Mickey Guyton 2021-02-02 04:35
Ethan Hawke, Mickey Guyton
Actor Ethan Hawke; musical performance by Mickey Guyton.
s2021e21 Zendaya, Father James Martin 2021-02-03 04:35
Zendaya, Father James Martin
Actress Zendaya; Father James Martin.
s2021e22 Salma Hayek, Mark Harris 2021-02-04 04:35
Salma Hayek, Mark Harris
Actress Salma Hayek; journalist Mark Harris.
s2021e23 Tiffany Haddish, H.E.R. 2021-02-05 04:35
Tiffany Haddish, H.E.R.
Actress Tiffany Haddish; musical performance by H.E.R.
s2021e24 Queen Latifah; Steven Yeun 2021-02-09 04:35
Queen Latifah; Steven Yeun
Actress Queen Latifah; actor Steven Yeun.
s2021e25 John Oliver, Ingrid Andress 2021-02-10 04:35
John Oliver, Ingrid Andress
TV host John Oliver; musical performance by Ingrid Andress.
s2021e26 Kristen Wiig, Rebecca Breeds 2021-02-11 04:35
Kristen Wiig, Rebecca Breeds
Actress Kristen Wiig; actress Rebecca Breeds.
s2021e27 Blake Shelton 2021-02-12 04:35
Blake Shelton
Interview with and musical performance by Blake Shelton; Valentine's Day Card First Drafts with Evelyn Colbert, Stephen's wife.
s2021e28 Bill Gates, Tune-Yards 2021-02-23 04:35
Bill Gates, Tune-Yards
Business magnate Bill Gates; musical performance by Tune-Yards.
s2021e29 Billie Eilish, Anna Palmer, Jake Sherman 2021-02-24 04:35
Billie Eilish, Anna Palmer, Jake Sherman
Singer Billie Eilish; Punchbowl News Co-Founders Anna Palmer & Jake Sherman.
s2021e30 Arsenio Hall, Tim Meadows, Celeste 2021-02-25 04:35
Arsenio Hall, Tim Meadows, Celeste
Actor Arsenio Hall; special appearance by actor Tim Meadows; musical performance by Celeste.
s2021e31 Regina King, Vic Mensa featuring Wyclef Jean/Peter CottonTale 2021-02-26 04:35
Regina King, Vic Mensa featuring Wyclef Jean/Peter CottonTale
Actress Regina King; musical performance by Vic Mensa featuring Wyclef Jean & Peter CottonTale.
s2021e32 Andy Samberg, Clarissa Ward 2021-03-02 04:35
Andy Samberg, Clarissa Ward
Actor Andy Samberg; journalist Clarissa Ward.
s2021e33 Neil deGrasse Tyson, Jon Batiste 2021-03-03 04:35
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Jon Batiste
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson; musical performance by Jon Batiste.
s2021e34 Paul Bettany, Metallica 2021-03-04 04:35
Paul Bettany, Metallica
Actor Paul Bettany; musical performance by Metallica.
s2021e35 Jane Fonda, the Hosts of 'Virtue Signal,' Kings Of Leon 2021-03-05 04:35
Jane Fonda, the Hosts of 'Virtue Signal,' Kings Of Leon
Actress Jane Fonda; from the Paramount+ series Tooning Out the News, the hosts of 'Virtue Signal'; musical performance by Kings Of Leon.
s2021e36 Nicolle Wallace, Michaela Coel, Kings Of Leon 2021-03-09 04:35
Nicolle Wallace, Michaela Coel, Kings Of Leon
TV host Nicolle Wallace; actress Michaela Coel; musical performance by Kings Of Leon.
s2021e37 Riz Ahmed, Janelle Monáe 2021-03-10 04:35
Riz Ahmed, Janelle Monáe
Actor Riz Ahmed; musical performance by Janelle Monáe.
s2021e38 Emmanuel Acho, Gina Yashere 2021-03-11 04:35
Emmanuel Acho, Gina Yashere
Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho; comedian/actress Gina Yashere.
s2021e39 Aaron Paul, Lake Street Dive, Billy Crystal 2021-03-12 04:35
Aaron Paul, Lake Street Dive, Billy Crystal
Actor Aaron Paul; musical performance by Lake Street Dive; the Colbert Questionert with actor Billy Crystal.
s2021e40 Ringo Starr, Laura Benanti, Christopher Jackson 2021-03-16 03:35
Ringo Starr, Laura Benanti, Christopher Jackson
Musician Ringo Starr; special appearances by singers Laura Benanti and Christopher Jackson.
s2021e41 Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Freeman 2021-03-17 03:35
Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Freeman
Actress Lupita Nyong'o; actor Martin Freeman.
s2021e42 Magic Johnson, Eric Andre 2021-03-18 03:35
Magic Johnson, Eric Andre
Businessman Magic Johnson; actor/comedian Eric Andre.
s2021e43 Senator Chuck Schumer, Jared Leto, LANCO 2021-03-19 03:35
Senator Chuck Schumer, Jared Leto, LANCO
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.); actor Jared Leto; musical performance by LANCO.
s2021e44 Robert Downey Jr., Walter Isaacson, Sebastián Yatra & Guyanaa 2021-03-23 04:35
Robert Downey Jr., Walter Isaacson, Sebastián Yatra & Guyanaa
Actor Robert Downey Jr.; author Walter Isaacson; musical performance by Sebastián Yatra and Guaynaa.
s2021e45 Dana Carvey, Imagine Dragons 2021-03-24 03:35
Dana Carvey, Imagine Dragons
Actor Dana Carvey; musical performance by Imagine Dragons.
s2021e46 Sharon Stone, Ken Burns 2021-03-25 03:35
Sharon Stone, Ken Burns
Actress Sharon Stone; filmmaker Ken Burns; Easter Card First Drafts with Evelyn Colbert, Stephen's wife.
s2021e47 John Cena, Senator Tammy Duckworth 2021-04-06 03:35
John Cena, Senator Tammy Duckworth
TV host John Cena; Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).
s2021e48 Ronan Farrow, Brandi Carlile 2021-04-07 03:35
Ronan Farrow, Brandi Carlile
Journalist Ronan Farrow; singer Brandi Carlile, also performs.
s2021e49 Leslie Odom Jr., Michio Kaku 2021-04-08 03:35
Leslie Odom Jr., Michio Kaku
Actor Leslie Odom Jr.; physicist Michio Kaku.
s2021e50 Hank Azaria, Jeff Goldblum, Cheap Trick 2021-04-09 03:35
Hank Azaria, Jeff Goldblum, Cheap Trick
Actor Hank Azaria; special appearance by Jeff Goldblum, who wants to do your taxes; musical performance by Cheap Trick.
s2021e51 John Boehner, Shelley FKA DRAM 2021-04-13 03:35
John Boehner, Shelley FKA DRAM
Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and author John Boehner; musical performance by Shelley FKA DRAM.
s2021e52 Daniel Kaluuya, Lucy Dacus, Taylor Swift 2021-04-14 03:35
Daniel Kaluuya, Lucy Dacus, Taylor Swift
Actor Daniel Kaluuya; musical performance by Lucy Dacus; special appearance by Taylor Swift.
s2021e53 Willie Geist, Maria Bakalova 2021-04-15 03:35
Willie Geist, Maria Bakalova
Journalist Willie Geist; actress Maria Bakalova.
s2021e54 Amanda Seyfried, Ashley McBryde 2021-04-17 03:35
Amanda Seyfried, Ashley McBryde
Actress Amanda Seyfried; Ashley McBryde performs.
s2021e55 Anthony Hopkins; Florian Zeller; Senator Mazie Hirono 2021-04-20 03:35
Anthony Hopkins; Florian Zeller; Senator Mazie Hirono
Actor Anthony Hopkins; director Florian Zeller; Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).
s2021e56 Cher, Sam Williams 2021-04-21 03:35
Cher, Sam Williams
Singer Cher; musical performance by Sam Williams.
s2021e57 Ed Helms, Susan Page 2021-04-22 03:35
Ed Helms, Susan Page
Actor Ed Helms; journalist Susan Page.
s2021e58 Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Bebe Rexha 2021-04-23 03:35
Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Bebe Rexha
TV hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski; musical performance by Bebe Rexha.
s2021e59 Anthony Mackie, Terry Gross 2021-04-27 03:35
Anthony Mackie, Terry Gross
Actor Anthony Mackie; PBS radio show host Terry Gross.
s2021e60 Senator Amy Klobuchar, Kyle MacLachlan 2021-04-28 03:35
Senator Amy Klobuchar, Kyle MacLachlan
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.); actor Kyle MacLachlan.
s2021e61 Senator Bernie Sanders, Julia Michaels (Live Show) 2021-04-29 03:35
Senator Bernie Sanders, Julia Michaels (Live Show)
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); musical performance by Julia Michaels (LIVE ET/Delayed PT following President Biden's first address to Congress).
s2021e62 Mila Kunis, Sara Kays 2021-04-30 03:35
Mila Kunis, Sara Kays
Actress Mila Kunis; musical performance by Sara Kays; Mother's Day Card First Drafts with Evelyn Colbert, Stephen's wife.
s2021e63 Jane Fonda, John Oliver, Ringo Starr, Teddy Swims 2021-05-01 03:35
Jane Fonda, John Oliver, Ringo Starr, Teddy Swims
'The Colbert Questionert' featuring actress Jane Fonda, TV personality John Oliver, and musician Ringo Starr; musical performance by Teddy Swims.
s2021e64 Jake Tapper, Billie Eilish 2021-05-11 03:35
Jake Tapper, Billie Eilish
Journalist Jake Tapper; musician Billie Eilish, also performs.
s2021e65 Michelle Obama, Seth Rogen 2021-05-12 03:35
Michelle Obama, Seth Rogen
Former First Lady Michelle Obama; special appearance by Seth Rogen.
s2021e66 Senator Elizabeth Warren, David Boreanaz 2021-05-13 03:35
Senator Elizabeth Warren, David Boreanaz
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.); actor David Boreanaz, from the CBS drama 'Seal Team.'
s2021e67 Seth Rogen, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall 2021-05-14 03:35
Seth Rogen, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall
Actor Seth Rogen; musical performance by Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall.
s2021e68 Billy Crystal, Tiffany Haddish, The Black Keys 2021-05-15 03:35
Billy Crystal, Tiffany Haddish, The Black Keys
Actors Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish; musical performance by The Black Keys.
s2021e69 Cindy McCain, MJ Rodriguez 2021-05-18 03:35
Cindy McCain, MJ Rodriguez
Businesswoman Cindy McCain; actress MJ Rodriguez.
s2021e70 Morgan Freeman, Tig Notaro 2021-05-19 03:35
Morgan Freeman, Tig Notaro
Actor Morgan Freeman; comic Tig Notaro.
s2021e71 Lisa Kudrow, Tamika D. Mallory 2021-05-20 03:35
Lisa Kudrow, Tamika D. Mallory
Actress Lisa Kudrow; activist Tamika D. Mallory.
s2021e72 John Krasinski, Yo-Yo Ma 2021-05-21 03:35
John Krasinski, Yo-Yo Ma
Actor John Krasinski; musical performance by Yo-Yo Ma; special appearance by Evelyn Colbert, Stephen's wife. Krasinski is the first in-person guest since Mar 12, 2020.
s2021e73 Anthony Anderson, Dr. Francis Collins 2021-05-25 03:35
Anthony Anderson, Dr. Francis Collins
Actor Anthony Anderson; NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins.
s2021e74 Gayle King, BTS 2021-05-26 03:35
Gayle King, BTS
Journalist Gayle King; musical performance by BTS; special appearance by singer Richard Marx.
s2021e75 Will Arnett, Brockhampton, Zack Snyder 2021-05-27 03:35
Will Arnett, Brockhampton, Zack Snyder
Actor Will Arnett; musical performance by Brockhampton; special appearance by Zack Snyder directing The Late Show: The Snyder Cut.
s2021e76 Bradley Whitford, Carlos Watson 2021-05-28 03:35
Bradley Whitford, Carlos Watson
Actor Bradley Whitford; journalist Carlos Watson.
s2021e77 Chris Matthews, Cynthia Erivo 2021-06-08 03:35
s2021e78 Clive Owen, Ziwe 2021-06-09 03:35
s2021e79 Samuel L. Jackson, Padma Lakshmi 2021-06-10 03:35
s2021e80 Samantha Power, Maroon 5, Seth Rogen 2021-06-11 03:35
Samantha Power, Maroon 5, Seth Rogen
USAID Administrator Samantha Power; musical performance by Maroon 5; special appearance by Seth Rogen. This is the last 'A Late Show' due to the COVID-19 quarantine.
s2021e81 Jon Stewart, Jon Batiste, Dana Carvey 2021-06-15 03:35
Jon Stewart, Jon Batiste, Dana Carvey
Comedian Jon Stewart; musical performance by Oscar-winning artist Jon Batiste; special appearance by comedian Dana Carvey; special appearance by Evelyn Colbert, Stephen's wife. The show returns to the Ed Sullivan Theater with the first live studio audience, fully vaccinated, since March 12, 2020. To date, 'A Late Show' has produced 211 episodes remotely since leaving the theater, 15 of them live.
s2021e82 Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Rita Moreno 2021-06-16 03:35
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Rita Moreno
CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta; actress Rita Moreno.
s2021e83 Anderson Cooper, Sleater-Kinney 2021-06-17 03:35
Anderson Cooper, Sleater-Kinney
CNN journalist Anderson Cooper; musical performance by Sleater-Kinney; Father's Day Card First Drafts with Evelyn Colbert, Stephen's wife.
s2021e84 Nathan Lane, Griff 2021-06-18 03:35
Nathan Lane, Griff
Actor Nathan Lane; musical performance by Griff.
s2021e85 Andrew Garfield, Lorde, Gilbert Gottfried 2021-06-22 03:35
Andrew Garfield, Lorde, Gilbert Gottfried
Actor Andrew Garfield; singer Lorde; special appearance by Gilbert Gottfried.
s2021e86 Wanda Sykes, Craig Melvin 2021-06-23 03:35
Wanda Sykes, Craig Melvin
Actress Wanda Sykes; journalist Craig Melvin.
s2021e87 Christine Baranski, Joy Oladokun 2021-06-24 03:35
Christine Baranski, Joy Oladokun
Actress Christine Baranski; musical performance by Joy Oladokun.
s2021e88 Robert Duvall 2021-06-25 03:35
Robert Duvall
Stephen interviews actor Robert Duvall at his Virginia farm. Late Show writer Robert Stack and Stephen honor Conan O'Brien's 28 years of late-night television.
s2021e89 Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Katja Herbers 2021-06-29 03:35
Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Katja Herbers
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; actress Katja Herbers.
s2021e90 Vin Diesel, Helen Mirren, Ludacris, John Cena, Tyrese Gibson, Justin Lin, Jordana Brewster, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Peter Jackson, Ali Sultan 2021-06-30 03:35
Vin Diesel, Helen Mirren, Ludacris, John Cena, Tyrese Gibson, Justin Lin, Jordana Brewster, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Peter Jackson, Ali Sultan
JUST ONE QUESTION with the cast of F9: actors Vin Diesel, Helen Mirren, Ludacris, John Cena, Tyrese Gibson, Justin Lin, Jordana Brewster; actors Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy with a special appearance by director Peter Jackson; standup comedy performance by Ali Sultan.
s2021e91 Harvey Keitel, Randall Otis 2021-07-01 03:35
Harvey Keitel, Randall Otis
Actor Harvey Keitel; standup comedy performance by Randall Otis.
s2021e92 Jim Gaffigan, JP Saxe, John Mayer 2021-07-02 03:35
Jim Gaffigan, JP Saxe, John Mayer
Comedian Jim Gaffigan; musical performance by JP Saxe with John Mayer.
s2021e93 Keegan-Michael Key, Tones And I 2021-07-13 03:35
Keegan-Michael Key, Tones And I
Actor Keegan-Michael Key; musical performance by Tones And I.