Stephen Colbert to Appear on Elsbeth

Stephen Colbert transitions from late-night host to a guest role in the crime comedy Elsbeth.

Stephen Colbert Joins CBS Crime Comedy Elsbeth for Guest Appearance

Stephen Colbert is making a shift from his late-night roots after CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. He will appear in an episode of the crime comedy Elsbeth, set to air in season three starting October 12. In this guest role, Colbert will portray Scotty Bristol, the host of a fictional late night talk show within the show. This appearance was years in the making, as Colbert previously expressed his desire to join Elsbeth during a conversation with cast member Wendell Pierce. His episode was filmed recently, adding to the show's star-studded guest list that includes Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. Interestingly, this transition comes in the wake of the cancellation of The Late Show, which CBS attributed to financial constraints, despite the timing coinciding with Colbert's critical comments about the company's legal issues with former President Donald Trump.

Colbert’s move to Elsbeth reflects a changing landscape for CBS and late-night television in general. As ratings decline, creative shifts like this one could indicate a broader trend of established figures seeking new platforms to showcase their talents. Colbert's willingness to step into a guest role rather than remain solely on CBS for a talk show suggests he is adapting to the industry’s evolving dynamics. In a realm where comedic voices adapt and reinvent themselves, Colbert's transition may inspire other hosts facing similar challenges, highlighting the need for diversifying career paths amidst network changes.

Highlights

As the dynamics of late-night television shift, Colbert's new role may pave the way for other alternative appearances.