Stephen Colbert is already thinking ahead as The Late Show prepares to wrap up its 10-season run. On the July 28 episode, the 61-year-old host teased a surprising possible new direction: podcasting. With his signature wit, Colbert jokingly asked guests Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers to “sell” him on the idea.
“I’m going to need a gig soon,” Colbert quipped. “So sell me on podcasting. Is it fun?”
Colbert Teases Podcast Career with Help from Las Culturistas
Yang and Rogers, hosts of the hit podcast Las Culturistas, didn’t miss a beat. Rogers joked that Colbert’s entry into podcasting would bump them off Time’s list of top podcasts. He also shared that their podcast’s growth during the pandemic came from listeners craving real, unscripted connection.
“People wanted to hear a friendship in action,” said Rogers. “That’s what they wanted—to connect.”
Rogers advised Colbert to be authentic. His advice? “Keep it real,” because that honesty helps podcasts truly resonate. Yang even pitched a concept: Colbert and his wife Evie could go on dates and recap them on the podcast. Colbert laughed, but seemed intrigued. “That sounds really sweet,” Yang said.
Colbert asked if Yang would produce it, saying the show could join the Las Culturistas “empire.” By the end of the segment, the duo presented Colbert with a surprise award: Best Future Podcaster.
The Late Show’s End Sparks a New Chapter
The cancellation of The Late Show shocked fans and industry insiders alike. CBS insists it was a financial decision, not related to Colbert’s performance. “This was purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” the network said.
Colbert confirmed the end during a July 17 taping. “I’m not being replaced—the show is being taken off the air,” he told his audience.
Since the announcement, celebrities have voiced support. Actress Sandra Oh didn’t hold back, jokingly wishing “a plague” on CBS and Paramount for axing the show. Meanwhile, Colbert appears to be keeping his humor—and optimism—intact.
Whether he starts a podcast or explores another project, fans are eager to follow his next move. If anyone can reinvent himself after late night, it’s Stephen Colbert.