ENTERTAINMENT

Stephen Colbert's New Role: From Late-Night Host to Crime Comedy Star

USAMon Aug 04 2025

Stephen Colbert, renowned for his sharp wit and humor on "The Late Show", is stepping into a new role. He's joining the cast of "Elsbeth", a crime comedy series on CBS.

A Unique Guest Spot

This isn't just any guest appearance; Colbert will play the host of a fictional late-night show within the series. The episode was filmed recently, but the idea has been in the works for a while.

The Connection

The connection between Colbert and "Elsbeth" started when Wendell Pierce, a star of the show, appeared on "The Late Show". Colbert joked about wanting to play a corpse on a CBS crime procedural. Pierce took it as a challenge and offered to make it happen. This led to Colbert's role in "Elsbeth", which was picked up for a third season around the same time.

About "Elsbeth"

"Elsbeth" is a unique blend of crime and comedy, created by the Kings, Robert and Michelle. It stars Carrie Preston and Wendell Pierce, along with a list of notable guest stars. The show's mix of mystery and humor has made it a standout on CBS.

The Future of "The Late Show"

Meanwhile, "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" is set to end after the next TV season. CBS says it's a financial decision, but some speculate it's related to the network's merger with Skydance and the political climate. Regardless, Colbert's move to "Elsbeth" shows he's not done surprising audiences.

questions

    Is Colbert's character on 'Elsbeth' a thinly veiled attempt to critique the current state of late-night television?
    Will Colbert's character on 'Elsbeth' be able to keep a straight face while interviewing the show's eccentric characters?
    What kind of reception can be expected from fans of both Colbert and 'Elsbeth'?

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