So, you’re looking for the Stephen Colbert show schedule? You’ve probably noticed things feel a little different lately. There’s a specific energy in the air at the Ed Sullivan Theater, and frankly, it’s because we’re in the home stretch.
CBS made the massive announcement back in July 2025 that this current 2025–2026 season would be the show’s last. It’s wild to think about. After over a decade of taking over for Letterman, Stephen is hanging up the suit in May 2026. This isn't just a mid-season break; it’s the beginning of the end for one of the sharpest satirical voices on late-night TV.
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Because of the "Final Season" status, the schedule is tighter than ever. You can’t just assume they’re live every night.
When Does The Late Show Actually Air?
The standard broadcast window hasn't changed, even if the "vibe" has. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert typically airs Monday through Friday at 11:35 PM ET/PT on CBS.
If you’re watching in the Central or Mountain time zones, it’s usually an hour earlier, but check your local listings because affiliates sometimes get weird with the timing.
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One thing people often miss: while the show airs five nights a week, they don't actually tape five nights a week. The production schedule usually follows a Monday through Thursday taping rhythm. Friday episodes are almost always pre-recorded or, as the season progresses, "best-of" compilations or encores.
Why the schedule feels "off" lately
Honestly, since the cancellation news, the production has been leaning into more "event" style tapings. If you're looking for the Stephen Colbert show schedule to plan a trip to NYC, you have to be fast. Tickets are managed through 1iota, and they disappear basically the second they are released—which is usually on Thursday mornings for the following week.
Guest Lineup for Mid-January 2026
If you’re tuning in right now, the guest list is looking pretty heavy-duty. Stephen is clearly pulling out the big guns for his final months.
Take a look at what’s happening this week:
- Monday, Jan 12: Jimmy Kimmel stopped by for a "Colbert Questionert" segment, alongside Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger.
- Tuesday, Jan 13: A massive night with Amanda Seyfried and the legendary Yo-Yo Ma.
- Wednesday, Jan 14: Paul Giamatti and director Ryan Coogler are the headliners.
- Thursday, Jan 15: Stellan Skarsgård and Scott Galloway are scheduled to appear.
Fridays in January have been a bit of a toss-up. For example, Friday, Jan 16 is looking like a rebroadcast featuring Denis Leary and Rachel Maddow. This is a classic late-night move to save the "fresh" energy for the Monday-Thursday block.
How to Watch If You Miss the Live Broadcast
You don't have to stay up until midnight like it’s 1995. Most people I know just catch the clips on YouTube the next morning, but if you want the full experience, Paramount+ is the place.
If you have Paramount+ Premium, you can actually stream it live through your local CBS affiliate. If you’re on the "Essential" (ad-supported) plan, you’ve gotta wait until the next day to see the full episode.
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Streaming options at a glance:
- YouTube: Best for the "Meanwhile" segments and the opening monologue. They usually upload these within an hour of the East Coast airing.
- Paramount+: The only way to see the full, unedited interviews and musical performances if you don't have a DVR.
- Hulu + Live TV / YouTube TV: These act just like cable. You can "record" the show to your cloud DVR and skip the commercials, which is honestly the only way to live.
Why the Final May 2026 Date Matters
When CBS announced the May 2026 end date, they cited "financial decisions" and a shifting late-night landscape. It sucks, but it’s the reality of 2026. Ad revenue for linear TV is cratering.
As we get closer to May, expect the Stephen Colbert show schedule to include more "flashback" segments. There are rumors of a massive multi-night send-off involving former Daily Show colleagues, but nothing is set in stone yet.
If you are planning to see a taping before the lights go out at the Ed Sullivan Theater, you need to be at the theater (1697 Broadway) by about 3:00 PM for a 5:30 PM taping. They overbook these things like crazy, so a ticket doesn't always guarantee a seat.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to stay on top of the schedule without getting burned by repeats:
- Check the 1iota website every Thursday at 10 AM ET. This is the only way to see the confirmed taping dates for the following week.
- Follow the "Late Show" Instagram. They post the nightly guest list around mid-afternoon, which is more reliable than most TV guide websites.
- Download the CBS app. It’s clunky, but it gives you the most accurate "live" schedule based on your specific zip code.
The clock is ticking on the Colbert era. Whether you're there for the politics or just to see Louis Cato and the Late Show Band, make sure you're looking at the most current week’s lineup, because once May hits, the chair stays empty.