The end of one chapter is often the start of another—and for Stephen Colbert, it’s a full-circle moment As “The Late Show” prepares to wind down in 2026, the longtime host has already lined up his next act: a guest role on CBS’s hit series “Elsbeth“, where he’ll return to late-night, this time, as a fictional talk show host.
Colbert’s New CBS Gig: Details
Photo: Michael Parmelee/CBS ©2025 CBS BroadcastingVariety reports that Colbert, 61, has been confirmed to appear in the show’s upcoming third season as Scotty Bristol.
He’ll be playing the charismatic face of the in-universe late-night program Way Late with Scotty Bristol. While the network hasn’t revealed exactly how Colbert’s character ties into the plot, Variety reports that his episode has already been filmed. As per the report, the appearance had been in the works for quite some time.
How Colbert’s ‘Elsbeth’ Role Came to Be
Colbert’s fictional late-night gig may have started as a joke. During a February appearance on The Late Show, actor Wendell Pierce, who also stars in “Elsbeth”, chatted with Colbert about the new series.
Colbert jokingly said he wanted to play a corpse on the show. “I can make that happen. I know a guy who knows a guy,” Pierce replied. “We can get you on.”
According to Deadline, Colbert’s role was written specifically for him. And even after CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show, producers agreed he should keep the part.
Colbert’s Episode Tied to Elsbeth Season 3
(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)Colbert’s guest spot will be part of the third season of “Elsbeth”, “the Good Wife” and “Good Fight” spinoff led by Carrie Preston as quirky attorney Elsbeth Tascioni.
The show follows Tascioni as she investigates murders across New York City in her unconventional way. Elsbeth has become a standout hit for CBS, with notable guest stars in past seasons including Matthew Broderick, Laura Benanti, Nathan Lane, and Keegan-Michael Key.
CBS to End The Late Show in 2026
CBS announced in July that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end its run in May 2026, citing financial decisions as the driving force behind the cancellation. Colbert has hosted the show since 2015, following David Letterman’s departure. He remains one of the most recognizable voices in political comedy and late-night television.
While Colbert’s next full-time gig has yet to be announced, his fictional role on Elsbeth is already proving he’s far from done with TV.
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Stephen Colbert’s Surprising New Role After ‘The Late Show’ Cancellation Revealed