How Long Has Stephen Colbert Been on The Late Show

Stephen Colbert's Late Show Tenure at a Glance

Stephen Colbert has been the host of The Late Show on CBS since September 8, 2014. As of mid-2025, he has completed over 3,300 episodes across more than 10 seasons, making him one of the longer-tenured late-night hosts on American television. This period spans notable milestones including multiple Primetime Emmy wins, coverage of major cultural and political events, and the evolution of the show's format in the shifting media landscape. The following breakdown details key dates, seasons, and achievements that frame his ongoing tenure.

Start Date and Early Period

Colbert's first episode as permanent host aired on September 8, 2014, following David Letterman's final show on May 20, 2015. His transition from Comedy Central's The Colbert Report to a traditional late-night talk show on a major broadcast network marked a significant shift in his career. The early period involved retooling the show's identity, staff, and band leadership, with bandleader Jon Batiste and executive producer Chris Licht playing instrumental roles in shaping the new program.

Initial Season (Fall 2014)

• Premiered September 8, 2014.
• Featured inaugural guests including Judd Apatow and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
• Established the show's core format, including the couch, celebrity interviews, and field pieces.

Season Progression and Milestones

Since 2014, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has consistently aired five nights per week, producing more than 1,800 episodes per season on average. Along the way, the show has earned widespread critical recognition and major awards, including several Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Variety Talk Series. Colbert himself has won multiple Emmys for Outstanding Host for a Talk Series, reinforcing the show's reputation for sharp comedy and thoughtful conversation.

High-Information Milestones

Several moments stand out in the show's history, reflecting both cultural impact and operational continuity. The 1000th episode in 2021 was marked by retrospectives and acknowledgment of the show's consistency through significant world events. The transition out of pandemic-era production in 2022 introduced broader in-studio audiences and a return to certain traditional late-night elements, while retaining the core comedic and interview-driven format that defines the program.

Notable Achievements

• Multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for talk series and individual performances.
• Consistent top ratings among late-night broadcast competitors in demographic targets.
• Landmark interviews with global figures, authors, and cultural influencers.
• Integration of on-the-road segments and musical performances, underscoring the show's range.

Comparison With Predecessors

Colbert's tenure on The Late Show compares favorably in duration and ratings to several of his broadcast-network late-night peers. His start in 2014 positions him as one of the later hosts to reach similar longevity milestones, yet the show has maintained relevance through format adjustments and strong writing talent. By contrast, hosts who began in earlier decades typically navigated different technological and audience consumption landscapes, whereas Colbert's run has coincided with streaming fragmentation and social media-driven news cycles.

Current Status and Outlook

As of 2025, Stephen Colbert remains the host of The Late Show, with no announced plans for a transition. CBS has renewed the series through at least the 2025—2026 television season, indicating continued stability. Industry observers note that the show's blend of topical humor, musical segments, and intimate interviews continues to resonate with both legacy and newer viewers, supporting the program's long-term viability.

Summary

Stephen Colbert has been hosting The Late Show on CBS since September 8, 2014, overseeing more than 10 seasons and 3,300+ episodes. With multiple awards, consistent ratings strength, and multi-season renewal commitments, his tenure represents sustained success in modern late-night television.