The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Paul McCartney | Hello, Goodbye! 22.05.2026 39min

That's it for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, everybody! When you're done listening to the final Pod Show, make sure you feast your eyes on the series finale on a TV screen (with good speakers - trust us!)

Stephen Takes The Colbert Questionert 21.05.2026 31min

The new Trump Mobile phone has arrived, rotisserie chickens now fly for free, and Stephen presents World Central Kitchen’s Chef José Andrés with a check for $2,497,404.15 representing generous donations from fans of The Late Show. With the end of The Late Show quickly approaching, it's finally time to get to know our Emmy-winning late night star on a deeper level with help from special guest questioners John Dickerson, Billy Crystal, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Josh Brolin , Martha Stewart, Mark Hamill, Jim Gaffigan, Jeff Daniels, Tiffany Haddish, Evie McGee Colbert, Amy Sedaris, Ben Stiller, Aubrey Plaza, James Taylor, and Robert De Niro.

Jon Stewart (Extended) | Steven Spielberg 20.05.2026 46min

Donald Trump created a government slush fund for payouts to people like convicted January 6 rioters, the president decided not to resume attacking Iran, and construction is underway at the new White House ballroom. Comedy legend Jon Stewart tells Stephen there’s a great life on the other side of a cancelled TV show, and that one day Americans will cheer as Donald Trump’s time in office comes to a close. Oscar-winner Steven Spielberg shares a clip from his latest film, where contact with alien life causes unexpected powers to emerge in the film’s main characters.

The Worst Of The Late Show 19.05.2026 28min

Stephen Colbert presents a special episode dedicated to all the pieces he cut over the years, including a trip to Chicago and some truly outlandish bits by Late Show writers that never made it to air - UNTIL NOW! Be sure to check out the full extended version with 'Graphics Graveyard' on YouTube after you hear the podcast!

Late Show Vocab | Rescue Staff Rescue 18.05.2026 23min

If you've already heard this final lightning round of 'Late Show Vocab,' then please do enjoy these jokes a second time. We find that comedy gets so much fresher when you know what's coming! Stephen and Becca spent their last podcast-booth moments together talking about the whole Late Show staff & crew and what has made working with everyone so magical over the years. It's all leading up to an instant staff favorite: Rescue Staff Rescue! Stephen reveals some of the insane, humiliating and wonderful things his employees have done in service of late night television. This podcast originally aired April 30th, 2026.

Late Show Vocab | Bootsie 17.05.2026 21min

In another look back at our favorite 'Late Show Vocab' segments, Stephen and Becca are joined by Becca's Aunt Carol via speakerphone to track down the original owner of a piece of Colbert History. Then we revisit the field piece from 2021 when a Late Show producer sent his mom to a sex party to prove to Stephen that they exist. This podcast was originally released on October 9th, 2025.

Late Show Vocab | Terry Gross 16.05.2026 29min

With less than a week left until The Late Show goes off the air, we're remembering all of our favorite 'Late Show Vocab' moments from the 'Stephen Presents' series to celebrate the unique office culture that Colbert's staff & crew have built together! Enjoy this extra long, extra exclusive Pod Show introduction where Stephen Colbert and his producer Becca talk about carousels, The Knack, reading from a prompter, what it's like being interviewed by Terry Gross, and more behind-the-scenes thoughts and feelings that you won't hear Stephen talk about anywhere else! Then enjoy this beautiful, extended interview with radio icon Terry Gross, featuring stories from early in her life and career that we didn't have time to air on TV.This podcast introduction was recorded and released in February 2026. Terry Gross's interview originally aired January 8th, 2026.

David Letterman | Xi Loves Me 15.05.2026 26min

The Chinese and American presidents shared an uncomfortably long handshake, Trump told his one billionth lie, Fox News star Bret Baier reported on the future of fast food, and the Iran war is causing major problems in the world of potato chips. “I have every right to be pissed off,” says legendary “Late Show” host David Letterman upon his return to the Ed Sullivan Theater. Make sure you check out the Late Show's YouTube page for the rest of David Letterman's iconic visit to The Ed Sullivan Theater... roof!

Tom Hanks (Extended) | President Barack Obama 14.05.2026 41min

President Trump brought men like Elon Musk and Brett Ratner along on his trip to China, the Pentagon wants to restart the clock on the costly Iran war by changing the name, and the president’s poll numbers have never been lower as many Americans feel the country is spiraling out of control. Then President Barack Obama takes The Colbert Questionert! And Tom Hanks joins Stephen Colbert for a wide-ranging chat about dairy alternatives, SCUBA diving during the making of "Splash," and his father's experiences in World War II. Watch "World War II with Tom Hanks" starting May 25th on The History Channel.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Extended) | Pedro Pascal 13.05.2026 48min

President Trump’s trip to China kicked off as Americans are suffering from high prices at home, the president went on an epic late night social media blitz, and RFK Jr. says the public need not worry about the Hantavirus outbreak. Stephen Colbert’s extended interview with Julia Louis-Dreyfus has it all: a casual kiss between two friends, useful advice for a guy who is prepping for his series finale, and a personalized late night tribute cooked up by the writers of “Veep.” Enjoy the moments that didn’t make it to air, then catch Julia Louis-Dreyfus in the new film, “The Sheep Detectives,” in theaters now. And acclaimed actor Pedro Pascal gets chummy with Stephen Colbert and offers hints about what to expect from his character in the new film, “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” where he stars opposite one of his childhood idols, Sigourney Weaver.

Strike Force Five (Extended) | Truce Or Dare 12.05.2026 47min

President Trump says his plan to defeat Iran is very simple, the president seemingly failed to wish the First Lady a happy Mother’s Day, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has returned to his reality television roots, and the government released files related to UFO sightings. Stephen Colbert reunites with his Strike Force Five podcast co-hosts for a rowdy group interview that went far too long for one broadcast episode. Catch the entire segment here then keep an eye out for a special emergency episode of the Strike Force Five podcast dropping soon wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and John Oliver!

Late Show Vocab | Ocean Vuong 11.05.2026 17min

We're wrapping up The Late Show Pod Show with the best of "Late Show Vocab," a game where Stephen reveals the origin stories of slang terms and shorthand only his staff knows! In the first round, Stephen sheds light on "Brap It On The Poof," "Dollar Signs," and "sack, sack, sack, sack, saaack!" Then enjoy this lovely EXTENDED conversation with poet, bestselling author, and McArthur Genius Grant recipient Ocean Vuong. This podcast was originally released on August 14th, 2025.

Top of the Tops: Stephen's Journal | Suleika Jaouad 10.05.2026 23min

With The Late Show wrapping up this month, The Pod Show is looking back at some of our favorite moments from Stephen's many exclusive podcast visits from the 'Stephen Presents' series. We wanted to bring back our host's charming tale of a special journal from this introduction to an extended interview with the journaling queen herself, Suleika Jaouad, who talks about the importance of connecting with one's creativity, and why she's flipping her doctor's advice on its head as she battles cancer for a third time. This podcast and extended interview originally aired in May 2025.

Top of The Tops | Audience Questions 09.05.2026 12min

With The Late Show coming to an end, The Late Show Pod Show is running back some of our favorite segments from the 'Stephen Presents' series: where Colbert sits down to tell exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and sometimes exchange recipes with podcast producer Becca. In tonight's Top of The Tops, they talk office baked goods and whose cookies from staff made it into the Colbert's family cookbook: 'Does This Taste Funny?' Then enjoy another Late Show Pod Show specialty: Audience Questions! Stephen's introduction was previously recorded for a podcast released on April 24th, 2024.

John Krasinski | Supply And Demanding 08.05.2026 23min

Americans are feeling economic pain as a result of Trump’s war against Iran, Pope Leo XIV welcomed Marco Rubio to the Vatican with a song, and Stephen consults an expert in online age verification. Stephen challenges his good friend John Krasinski to a leg wrestling match, possibly related to the shots of bourbon the duo downed during their interview. “Jack Ryan: Ghost War” premieres May 20th on Prime Video.

Sally Field | First Drafts with Evie 07.05.2026 32min

America’s most confusing war might be coming to an end, crews are painting the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, President Trump pressured the FDA to approve fruity vape flavors, and there’s a new scandal surrounding the suppression of government-funded vaccine studies. Stephen’s fabulous wife Evie McGee joins him to help The Late Show audience select the perfect Mother’s Day card for 2026. Oscar-winner Sally Field tells Stephen Colbert that she resisted months of efforts by Robin Williams to make her laugh on set, but one fart noise from Pierce Brosnan made her totally fall apart. Watch “Remarkably Bright Creatures” on Netflix this Friday.

President Barack Obama | No Strait Answer 06.05.2026 33min

President Trump hosted children at the White House to mark the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, Pete Hegseth explained the military’s plan to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the war against Iran is hurting American businesses of all sizes, and Stephen reacts to the red carpet looks at this year’s Met Gala. And Colbert travels to Chicago to interview former President Barack Obama at the newly-completed Obama Presidential Center, where they discuss the president’s love for Chicago, his long-term hopes for his legacy, and which presidential powers are ripe for abuse. Grab tickets to the Museum at the Obama Presidential Center starting May 6th at www.obama.org/visit/museum-tickets.

Christopher Nolan, Dave Grohl (Extended Cuts) 05.05.2026 41min

A new “Star Wars” film is on the way and the merchandising has begun, President Trump rejected Iran’s latest offer to end the war, and beloved brands Ask Jeeves and Spirit Airlines are no more. Oscar-winning producer, writer and director Christopher Nolan sits for an EXTENDED conversation with Stephen Colbert about the upcoming film, “The Odyssey,” starring Matt Damon alongside Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson. And 19-time GRAMMY-winning Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Grohl tells Stephen that all he wanted to do was disappear after Nirvana ended, but the universe sent him a sign that he should keep making music. Over three decades later, Grohl’s daughter is releasing her debut album and Foo Fighters are releasing their 12th.

Mark Hamill's Colbert Questionert 04.05.2026 10min

May the 4th be with you as you get to know Hollywood legend Mark Hamill on a deeper level in this special edition of The Colbert Questionert!

Patton Oswalt 03.05.2026 7min

Emmy- and GRAMMY-winning comedian Patton Oswalt reveals why his name is mentioned by Jeffrey Epstein in an email that is part of the latest batch of files released by the Department of Justice. "Tea & Scotch" premieres on YouTube on June 9th.