The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert fronts a nightly talk show that mixes sharp political satire with celebrity interviews, live music, and sketch comedy. Episodes typically open with Colbert's monologue about current headlines, then shift into one-on-one conversations with guests from politics, entertainment, business, and technology. The show balances hard-hitting commentary and lighter, entertaining moments, with Jon Batiste and Stay Human providing musical punctuation. It plays out on a live stage at the Ed Sullivan Theater, where Colbert's persona guides the tone, turning news cycles into comedic material while still allowing space for earnest discussion and performances.

Premiering in 2015 on CBS, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was created by Jon Stewart, Tom Purcell, and Chris Licht, and is taped at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater, featuring Jon Batiste and his band Stay Human as an integral onstage presence.

The series has received Emmy nominations, recognizing elements like writing, hosting, and musical contribution, and those nods have highlighted the show's topical content and production quality. Specific nominations and outcomes vary by season, but industry attention has acknowledged the program's role in contemporary late-night television.

The Late Show established itself as a major late-night platform, with monologues and interviews often picked up by news outlets and social media. Recurring bits and memorable segments have entered wider conversation, and the program is frequently referenced in discussions about how late-night comedy influences public discourse on politics and culture.

Audience and critical reaction is mixed to positive; on this platform it holds a 6.2/10 rating from 334 votes. Viewers often praise Colbert's satirical approach to current events and the energy the band brings, while some note the show's strong political focus can overshadow lighter entertainment for those seeking purely escapist fare.