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Stephen Colbert to Appear in CBS' Elsbeth as Late-Night Host

Colbert will guest star in the third season of Elsbeth, stepping away from The Late Show.

August 3, 2025 at 05:20 PM
blur Stephen Colbert Gets New CBS Late-Night Gig In Primetime With 'Elsbeth' Role

Stephen Colbert concludes his role on The Late Show while stepping into a fictional late-night host role on Elsbeth.

Stephen Colbert Transitions From Late-Night Host To Guest Star

Stephen Colbert is preparing to leave his role as host of CBS' The Late Show, yet he will also star as a late-night host in the upcoming season of the crime anthology Elsbeth. Colbert plays Scott Bristol, a fictional host in the episode filmed recently. Each Elsbeth episode revolves around a unique murder case, and the connection of Bristol to these events remains unclear. Colbert's involvement in Elsbeth follows a promise made by actor Wendell Pierce during a February appearance on The Late Show, where he jokingly mentioned making it possible for Colbert to appear on a CBS crime show. The decision to have Colbert featured seemed to follow a long-standing interest from him, showing a blend of collaboration and creative planning as Elsbeth develops its narrative.

Key Takeaways

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Colbert's Elsbeth role marks his transition from The Late Show.
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His character is a fictional late-night host, adding an intriguing layer to the plot.
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The decision for Colbert to appear was in the works before the Late Show cancellation was announced.
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The collaboration with Wendell Pierce highlights the close-knit relationships in the entertainment industry.
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Colbert’s twist showcases CBS's strategy to blend humor with serious storytelling in crime drama.
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The continuing evolution of late-night television reflects changing viewer preferences.

"I can make that happen."

Wendell Pierce references the promise he made to Colbert during an earlier show appearance.

"Each episode of Elsbeth solves a different murder."

This reflects the anthology's unique approach to storytelling.

"Colbert's role is believed to have been written specifically for him."

This detail underscores the personal touch often found in casting decisions.

"The cancellation decision was likely a recent development."

This suggests a significant shift in CBS's programming strategy.

In a fitting twist, Colbert's transition from host to actor reflects ongoing changes in the late-night landscape. As the viewing audience evolves, networks are adapting to maintain engagement through fresh, innovative storytelling. This narrative shift may capture nostalgia for fans while also serving as a strategic move by CBS to highlight its programming capabilities. The fact that Colbert is playing a version of his own profession suggests a meta-commentary on the current state of television - where the lines between roles blur, potentially engaging a broader audience and providing more dynamic content.

Highlights

  • Colbert blends late-night humor with crime drama in Elsbeth
  • From Host to Actor: Colbert's New Role Unexpectedly Mirrors His Reality
  • Colbert's Elsbeth role highlights evolving television dynamics
  • Late-night meets crime drama in Colbert's latest cameo

Cancellation of The Late Show Creates Uncertainty

The end of The Late Show could lead to backlash from longstanding fans and affect CBS’s viewership ratings.

Colbert's move could redefine how late-night hosts interact with scripted content.

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