

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," establishing it as the #1 show in late night. He engages with an eclectic mix of guests, discussing new and relevant topics spanning politics, entertainment, business, music, and technology. Broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater, the Emmy Award-nominated show features bandleader Jon Batiste and his band Stay Human.
Story Guide
Series Overview
Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," establishing it as the #1 show in late night. He engages with an eclectic mix of guests, discussing new and relevant topics spanning politics, entertainment, business, music, and technology. Broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater, the Emmy Award-nominated show features bandleader Jon Batiste and his band Stay Human.
Editorial Analysis
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” firmly positions itself as a cornerstone of late-night television, primarily driven by Stephen Colbert’s distinctive brand of satire and comedy. The program’s central appeal lies in its capacity to explore a wide array of contemporary subjects, from politics and entertainment to business, music, and technology, through dynamic conversations with a diverse roster of guests. This broad thematic scope ensures a consistently fresh and pertinent viewing experience, appealing to an audience that values both sharp, insightful commentary and engaging humor.
The show’s tone is predominantly comedic and satirical, reflecting Colbert’s well-known persona, yet it skillfully maintains an undercurrent of substantive discussion, enriched by the varied expertise of its guests. The inclusion of bandleader Jon Batiste and Stay Human further enhances the broadcast, adding a vibrant musical element. Likely audience appeal extends to viewers who appreciate quick wit, political and cultural analysis presented through a comedic lens, and celebrity interviews that delve into current affairs.
In terms of long-form storytelling, “The Late Show” operates within the established talk show format, which inherently differs from serialized narrative dramas. Its long-form potential is therefore not in developing continuous plotlines but rather in its sustained relevance and ongoing commentary on the evolving global landscape. The show’s consistent engagement with daily events and its enduring popularity, evidenced by its status as the “#1 show in late night,” demonstrate its capacity to maintain audience interest over an extended run, adapting its content to reflect the ever-changing news cycle and cultural zeitgeist. The Emmy Award nomination further underscores its consistent quality and impact.
Episode Guide
Seasons
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Season 1
Season 1
202 episodes
September 8, 2015

Season 2
Season 2
206 episodes
September 6, 2016

Season 3
Season 3
194 episodes
September 5, 2017

Season 4
Season 4
195 episodes
September 4, 2018

Season 5
Season 5
173 episodes
September 3, 2019

Season 6
Season 6
168 episodes
September 14, 2020

Season 7
Season 7
170 episodes
September 7, 2021

Season 8
Season 8
107 episodes
September 6, 2022

Season 9
Season 9
129 episodes
October 2, 2023

Season 10
Season 10
153 episodes
September 3, 2024

Season 11
Season 11
118 episodes
September 2, 2025
Credits
Featured Cast
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Stephen Colbert
Self - Host · 1816 episodes

Evelyn McGee-Colbert
Self · 29 episodes

John Oliver
Self - Guest · 26 episodes

Anderson Cooper
Self - Guest · 18 episodes

Bernie Sanders
Self - Guest · 16 episodes

Laura Benanti
Melania Trump · 13 episodes

John Dickerson
Self - Guest · 13 episodes

Neil deGrasse Tyson
Self - Guest · 12 episodes

Jon Stewart
Self - Guest · 12 episodes

Elizabeth Warren
Self - Guest · 10 episodes

Robert De Niro
Self - Guest · 10 episodes

Kamala Harris
Self - Guest · 10 episodes
Behind the Series
Key Crew
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