Storyline
Discover the story behind the screen.
Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the #1 show in late night, where 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. Featuring bandleader Jon Batiste with his band Stay Human, the Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater.
Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the #1 show in late night, where 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. Featuring bandleader Jon…
Top Billed Cast
Episodes
Episode 1 · George Clooney, Jeb Bush, Jon Batiste & Stay Human
The show opens with Stephen singing "The Star-Spangled Banner", ending with a cameo by Jon Stewart as an umpire yelling "Play ball!". Later he allows himself to eat one Oreo cookie and share one Donald Trump news story, before spiraling out of control and eating several cookies and showing several Trump stories. George Clooney discusses his career and his "new movie", ‘Decision Strike’. Governor Jeb Bush discusses his presidential campaign. The musical segment of the show features a cast of celebrities joining the band singing "Everyday People".
Episode 2 · Scarlett Johansson, Elon Musk, Kendrick Lamar
Stephen explains the technical difficulties he experienced during the making of his first show. The Big Furry Hat. Big Questions with Even Bigger Stars (with Scarlett Johansson). Elon Musk discusses SpaceX and his other projects. Kendrick Lamar performed a medley of songs from his album 'To Pimp a Butterfly’.
Episode 3 · Vice President Joe Biden, Travis Kalanick, Toby Keith
Joe Biden and Stephen discuss how the tragic losses of family members affected their lives. Travis Kalanick discusses 'Uber. Toby Keith performed "Rum is the Reason" off his album '35 MPH Town’.
Episode 4 · Amy Schumer, Stephen King, Troubled Waters (Paul Simon)
Stephen endorses Yesterday's Coffee. Amy Schumer discusses her new standup special, ‘Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo’. Stephen Colbert's Unseen Mysteries of the Hidden Secrets. Stephen King discusses his new collection of short stories, ‘The Bazaar of Bad Dreams’. Troubled Waters performs "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" with Stephen, as well as "American Tune" during the episode's outro.
Episode 5 · Emily Blunt, Justice Stephen Breyer, The Dead Weather
Stephen faces off against Novak Djokovic. Stephen Colbert Gets All Up in Your Faith. Emily Blunt discusses 'Sicario’, in addition to having a vomit-off with Stephen. Justice Stephen Breyer discusses recent politics and his new book, 'The Court and the World’. The Dead Weather performs "I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)" from their album 'Dodge and Burn’.
Episode 6 · Tim Cook, Jake Gyllenhaal, Run The Jewels with TV On The Radio
The Hungry for Power Games (Rick Perry). Jake Gyllenhaal discusses 'Everest’. Tim Cook discusses the iPhone 6S. Run the Jewels & TV on the Radio perform "Angel Duster" from the album 'Run the Jewels 2’.
Episode 7 · Kevin Spacey, Carol Burnett, Abbi Jacobson, Ilana Glazer, Willie Nelson
Carol Burnett discusses 'The Carol Burnett Show’. Kevin Spacey discusses 'House of Cards’. Planet of the Apps. Willie Nelson & John Mellencamp discuss Willie's Reserve and Farm Aid, and perform "Night Life".
Episode 8 · Trevor Noah, U.N. Ban Ki-Moon, Chris Stapleton
Trevor Noah discusses 'The Daily Show’ and the Republican Party presidential debate. Stephen launches his own lifestyle brand, Covetton House. Ban Ki-moon discusses recent politics. Chris Stapleton performs "Nobody to Blame" from his album 'Traveller’
Episode 9 · Lupita Nyong'o, Senator Bernie Sanders, Christopher Wheeldon, Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope
Lupita Nyong'o discusses 'Eclipsed’ and ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’. Bernie Sanders discusses his presidential campaign. Christopher Wheeldon discusses ‘An American in Paris’, as Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope perform a selection from the play.
Episode 10 · Stephen Curry, Senator Ted Cruz, Don Henley
Stephen Curry discusses 'NBA 2K16’. Stephen vs. Stephen (Stephen and Stephen Curry). Ted Cruz discusses his presidential campaign. Don Henley performs "Too Much Pride" from his album 'Cass County’.
Episode 11 · Donald Trump, Dr. Ernest Moniz, Raury
The Hungry for Power Games (Scott Walker). Donald Trump discusses his presidential campaign. Trump or Colbert? Ernest Moniz discusses the Iran nuclear deal. Raury performs "Devil's Whisper" from his album ‘All We Need’.
Episode 12 · Hugh Jackman, Hugh Evans, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Pearl Jam
Jon Batiste presents his "new book": ‘Underneath the Chuckles: Life, Laughs, Loss, Love and Learning’. Jackman and Evans discuss 'the Global Poverty Project. Senator Elizabeth Warren discusses the problems with the government. Pearl Jam discusses the Global Citizen Festival and performs "Mind Your Manners", plus a cover of "Rockin' in the Free World" joined by Stephen on vocals.
Episode 13 · Andrew Sullivan, Maria Shriver, Jim Gaffigan, Archbishop Thomas Wenski, YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus, the Choir of St. Jean Baptiste
The Dope on the Pope. Jim Gaffigan, Maria Shriver, Andrew Sullivan and Archbishop Thomas Wenski discuss Pope Francis's visit to America and Catholicism. YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus and the Choir of St. Jean Baptiste perform a rendition of the Hoyt Axton/Three Dog Night song "Joy to the World".
Episode 14 · Malala Yousafzai, Kerry Washington, The Arcs
Stephen Colbert's All-Inclusive Wedding Cake Toppers. Malala Yousafzai discusses the right to education for women and her new documentary, ‘He Named Me Malala’; she also performs a magic trick for Stephen. Kerry Washington discusses 'Scandal and the Global Citizen Festival. The Arcs performed "Outta My Mind" from their album 'Yours, Dreamily,’.
Episode 15 · First Lady Michelle Obama, John Legend
First Lady Michelle Obama discusses the "Let Girls Learn" initiative, her life and recent politics. Stephen Colbert's Who Am Me? (Stephen takes the MBTI). John Legend discusses the "FreeAmerica" initiative and performs a duet of "America the Beautiful" with Stephen.
Episode 16 · Ellen Page, Jesse Eisenberg, Dominic Wilcox
Elliot Page discusses ‘Freeheld’ and LGBT progress. Jesse Eisenberg discusses his new collection of short stories, ‘Bream Gives Me Hiccups: And Other Stories’. Stephen Colbert Gets All Up in Your Faith. Stephen demonstrates Dominic Wilcox's inventions.
Episode 17 · John Oliver, Evan Spiegel, Bill Withers, Ed Sheeran
Big Questions with Even Bigger Stars (with Tom Hanks). John Oliver discusses ‘Last Week Tonight’. Evan Spiegel discusses Snapchat. Bill Withers and Ed Sheeran discuss Withers' induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as Sheeran performs "Ain't No Sunshine".
Episode 18 · John Kerry, Claire Danes, PewDiePie
John Kerry discusses the Iran nuclear deal. Claire Danes discusses ‘Homeland’. PewDiePie discusses his YouTube channel and his new book, ‘This Book Loves You’.
Episode 19 · Morgan Freeman, Ruth Wilson, Sean Murray
Stephen Colbert's Cyborgasm. Morgan Freeman discusses ‘Madam Secretary’. Ruth Wilson discusses ‘The Affair’. Sean Murray demonstrates ‘No Man's Sky’.
Episode 20 · Senator John McCain, Yo-Yo Ma, Misty Copeland
Yo-Yo Ma sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Whole Foods Apologies. Senator John McCain discusses recent politics. Stephen Colbert's Who Am Me? (Stephen takes a polygraph test). Misty Copeland discusses her new documentary, ‘A Ballerina's Tale’. Copeland also performs the courante from Johann Sebastian Bach's "Cello Suite No. 2" with Ma. The Late Show celebrates Ma's 60th birthday.
Episode 21 · Bill Clinton, Billy Eichner, Florence & the Machine
Stephen Colbert's Pander Express. Bill Clinton discusses the Clinton Foundation, its projects, and the 2016 election. Billy Eichner discusses ‘Billy on the Street’. Florence and the Machine performs "What Kind of Man" from their album 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’.
Episode 22 · Gina Rodriguez, Ben Bernanke, Tame Impala
The Big Furry Hat. Gina Rodriguez discusses ‘Jane the Virgin’. Stephen Colbert's Esophagorge. Ben Bernanke discusses the 2008 financial crisis and his new book, ‘The Courage to Act’. Tame Impala performs "The Less I Know the Better" from their album 'Currents’.
Episode 23 · Cate Blanchett, Brian Chesky, Dartmouth Football Dummy
Stephen Colbert's Digital Doo. Cate Blanchett discusses ‘Truth’. Brian Chesky discusses Airbnb. Buddy Teevens and Elliot Kastner of the Dartmouth Big Green demonstrate their Tackle Dummy.
Episode 24 · James Corden, Shane Smith, Halsey
Life Hacked. James Corden discusses ‘The Late Late Show’ and his appointment as Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Corden performs "Me and My Shadow" with Stephen. Shane Smith discusses VICE Media. Halsey performs "New Americana" from her album ‘Badlands’.
Episode 25 · Carey Mulligan, Elvis Costello, Darlene Love
Stephen Colbert’s RejecTED Talks. Carey Mulligan discusses ‘Suffragette’ and the British women’s suffrage movement. Stephen takes a meeting with her producer. Elvis Costello discusses his new memoir, ‘Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink’, and his father’s influence. Darlene Love performs “Forbidden Nights”, from her album ‘Introducing Darlene Love’, with Costello.
Episode 26 · Sarah Silverman, Elijah Wood, Symphony of the Goddesses
Stephen Colbert’s Hot Takes. Sarah Silverman discusses ‘I Smile Back’ and reads bad jokes written by kids with Stephen. Elijah Wood talks ’The Lord of the Rings’ with Stephen and discusses ‘The Last Witch Hunter’. Orchestral performance by ‘The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses’.
Episode 27 · Jack Black, Nick Woodman, Michelle Dorrance
Jack Black discusses his years with Tenacious D and Goosebumps. Black performs "My Kind of America" with Stephen. Nick Woodman discusses GoPro. Michelle Dorrance discusses her career and performs a tap dance, with Jon Batiste and Stay Human providing accompaniment.
Episode 28 · Oprah Winfrey, Joseph Fink, Jeffrey Cranor, Judith Hill
Oprah Winfrey discusses spirituality with Stephen and ‘OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network)’. Stephen’s pre-show rituals. Judith Hill performs "Cry, Cry, Cry" from her album ’Back in Time’. Joseph Fink & Jeffrey Cranor discuss ’Welcome to Night Vale’.
Episode 29 · Jimmy Kimmel, Guillermo del Toro, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, Beach House
Jimmy Kimmel discusses ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and his agent, same as Stephen’s, before having a cook-off. Guillermo Del Toro, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston and Mia Wasikowska discuss ’Crimson Peak’. Beach House performs "One Thing" from their album ’Thank Your Lucky Stars’.
Episode 30 · Sienna Miller, Melissa Benoist, Chance the Rapper
The Hungry for Power Games (Jim Webb and Lincoln Chafee), with a cameo appearance by Stanley Tucci. Miller discusses ‘Burnt’. Benoist discusses ‘Supergirl’. Chance the Rapper performs "Angels" from his mixtape ’Coloring Book’.
Episode 31 · Hillary Clinton, Anthony Bourdain, Carrie Brownstein
Lianne La Havas sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Hillary Clinton discusses her presidential campaign. Anthony Bourdain discusses ‘Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown’ and his new graphic novel, ’Get Jiro’. Carrie Brownstein discusses her new memoir, ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’.
Episode 32 · Julianna Margulies, Jonathan Franzen, Alabama Shakes
Julianna Margulies discusses ‘The Good Wife’. Jonathan Franzen discusses ‘Purity’. Alabama Shakes performs "Joe" from their album ’Sound & Color’. Franzen reads Stephen a bedtime story as the episode’s outro.
Episode 33 · Seth MacFarlane, Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Seth MacFarlane discusses his new album, ‘No One Ever Tells You’. Focus on the Universe. Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses ‘StarTalk’ and the latest scientific discoveries. MacFarlane performs "The One I Love (Belongs to Somebody Else)".
Episode 34 · Charlie Rose, Stacy Schiff, Ghost
The Late Show celebrates Halloween. The Zombies sit in with the band and provide musical accompaniment. Cameo appearance by Rob Gronkowski. Charlie Rose comes out as Frankenstein and discusses ‘Charlie Rose’. Late Show Pumpking Carving Tips. Stacy Schiff comes out as a cat lady and discusses her new book, ‘The Witches: Salem, 1692’. Heavy metal band Ghost performs "Cirice" from their album ‘Meliora’, making their first appearance on a US TV show.
Episode 35 · Allison Janney, Colin Quinn, Margaret Cho
Allison Janney discusses ‘Mom’. Colin Quinn discusses ‘Colin Quinn: The New York Story’. Margaret Cho discusses her new special, ‘Psycho’, and performs "Lice" from her album ‘Cho Dependent’.
Episode 36 · Antonio Banderas, Reed Hastings, John Irving
Stephen Colbert Gazes into the Infinet. Antonio Banderas discusses ‘The 33’. Reed Hastings discusses Netflix. John Irving discusses his works and his new book, ‘Avenue of Mysteries’, and reads Stephen a bedtime story as the episode’s outro.
Episode 37 · Daniel Craig, Elizabeth Gilbert, Dr. Eugenia Cheng
The Hungry for Power Games (Lawrence Lessig). Daniel Craig discusses ‘Spectre’. Craig rents a new car. Elizabeth Gilbert discusses the creative process and her new book, ‘Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear’. Dr. Eugenia Cheng discusses baking and mathematics.
Episode 38 · Bryan Cranston, Shamir
Stephen Colbert’s Hot Takes. Bryan Cranston discusses ‘Trumbo’. Big Questions with Even Bigger Stars (with Bryan Cranston). Jon Batiste and Stephen visit New Orleans. Shamir performs "On the Regular" from his album ‘Ratchet’.
Episode 39 · Whoopi Goldberg, John Kasich, Glen Hansard
Harry Potter and the Cauldron of Spoilers. Stephen Colbert’s RejecTED Talks. Whoopi Goldberg discusses ‘The View’ and her new book, ‘If Someone Says "You Complete Me", RUN!’. Governor John Kasich discusses his presidential campaign. Glen Hansard performs "Lowly Deserter" from his album ‘Didn’t He Ramble’.
Episode 40 · Ethan Hawke, Claire McCaskill, Amy Klobuchar, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Stacie Orrico sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Cameo appearance by Rainn Wilson. Ethan Hawke discusses the New York City Marathon and his new book, ‘Rules for a Knight’. Stephen Colbert’s Midnight Confessions. Senators Claire McCaskill and Amy Klobuchar discuss women in the United States Senate and their books, ‘Plenty Ladylike’ and ‘The Senator Next Door’. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats perform "I Need Never Get Old" from their eponymous album.
