Stephen Colbert is already teasing his next move following the upcoming end of “The Late Show.” During the Monday, July 28 episode, Colbert, 61, joked about launching a podcast while chatting with Las Culturistas hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, whose podcast recently made TIME’s list of the 100 all-time best.
Stephen Takes Expert Advice On Possible New Career
“I’m going to need a gig soon, so sell me on podcasting. Is it fun?” Colbert asked. Rogers joked back, “You start one, we’re getting bumped. Like almost certainly.”
He also shared how surprised he was by their podcast’s success, saying they initially thought “no one would listen” when they launched it in 2016. “That’s what they wanted, to connect and hear a friendship in action,” Rogers added. “Hear conversation between people who are over-caffeinated.”
Yang, for his part, pitched a podcast concept involving Colbert and his wife, Evelyn “Evie” McGee Colbert, going on dates. “That’s up to you. That sounds really sweet to me,” Yang said, after Colbert asked, “Dates with each other, right?”
Colbert Confirmed “The Late Show” Will End in 2026
(Photo by Matthew Eisman/Getty Images)Colbert’s podcast jokes come just weeks after he confirmed “The Late Show” will come to an end in May 2026.
“Before we start the show, I want to let you know something that I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season,” he announced in July, prompting audience boos. “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.”
Despite the cancellation, Colbert shared his appreciation for CBS and fans:
“I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners. … And I’m grateful to the audience, you, who have joined us every night, in here, out there, and all around the world.”
CBS has not revealed an exact end date, but executives said the cancellation had nothing to do with Colbert’s ratings or performance. In a statement, they explained that the decision was tied to finances, not “content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
Fellow Late-Night Hosts Rally Behind Colbert
News of the cancellation sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. Several fellow late-night hosts publicly voiced their support for Colbert and frustration with CBS’s decision.
Jimmy Kimmel reposted Colbert’s announcement with the message: “Love you Stephen.”
Jimmy Fallon also reacted on Instagram: “Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it… I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come.”
“I’m sad that my family and friends will need a new show to watch every night at 11:30,” Fallon continued. “But honestly, he’s really been a gentleman and a true friend over the years, going back to The Colbert Report, and I’m sure whatever he does next will be just as brilliant.”
Comments
Stephen Colbert Teases Next Career Move After ‘Late Show’ Ends