Overview and Airdate Basics
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is an American late-night talk show that airs on CBS. The show follows a long-running franchise and is positioned as a flagship late-evening program for the network. Understanding its typical airtime, scheduling patterns, and how to verify local times helps viewers plan reliably and interpret promotions or changes accurately.
Standard Time and Schedule Details
Typical Local Airtime
In most U.S. markets, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert begins at 11:35 p.m. local time on weeknights. This aligns with the traditional late-night block and allows for a roughly 62-minute program, including monologue, segments, and interviews. Because time zones vary, viewers in Alaska, Hawaii, and certain western markets may see a later clock time when the show airs.
Typical Live Days
The show broadcasts Monday through Friday, with limited or no new episodes on weekends. Preemption for holiday specials or extended news coverage can shift start times slightly, but the core schedule remains stable across the calendar year. Check local listings for exact start times in your region.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Local Start Time (U.S.) | 11:35 p.m. ET / PT (subject to affiliate variations) | Network schedule and affiliate practices |
| Typical Program Length | Approximately 62 minutes | Standard late-night format |
| Primary Broadcast Day | Weeknights (Monday–Friday) | Network programming grid |
| Time Zone Scope | Eastern to Pacific, with regional variations | CBS affiliate coverage maps |
Historical Context and Timeslot Changes
CBS late-night programming has shifted over decades, and The Late Show slot reflects that evolution. Before Colbert’s tenure, the block featured David Letterman and, earlier, other hosts. Colbert assumed the role in 2015 following the conclusion of his Comedy Central show. The move to the 11:35 p.m. slot was part of a broader network strategy to anchor stable, high-quality programming against competing late-night offerings.
Transition to the Current Timeslot
When Colbert moved to The Late Show, the network aligned the program with existing affiliate patterns used for other late-night talk shows. This approach preserved continuity for both advertisers and viewers. While time zone differences can make the clock read differently across the country, the intended scheduling remains consistent within each region.
How Affiliates and Streaming Affect Airdate
Because the program is distributed through CBS’s owned stations and affiliated groups, local affiliates have some flexibility with scheduling within a broadly defined window. Factors such as local newscasts, sports overruns, and technical operations can slightly alter start times. Viewers are encouraged to check their local listings for precision rather than relying solely on national time references.
Streaming and On-Demand Availability
For cord-cutters and on-the-go audiences, full episodes and recent clips are available through Paramount+. Live streaming of the CBS signal often requires a TV provider login, though free ad-supported options may include delayed feeds or limited access. On-demand libraries typically retain episodes for days, reducing urgency to watch at the original time.
How to Find Your Local Start Time
Confirming the exact airdate in your region is straightforward and ensures you never miss an episode.
- Check your local CBS station website for schedule pages.
- Use a TV listings grid or an electronic program guide (EPG) on your TV.
- Search 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert time' plus your city or ZIP code.
- Consult the CBS network schedule page and select your affiliate.
Summary and Quick Reference
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert maintains a stable weeknight presence on CBS, typically starting at 11:35 p.m. local time. Variations in time zones and affiliate practices mean local start times can differ, but the overall schedule is reliable and predictable. Viewers can confirm their exact airdate through local listings, network pages, or streaming platforms, making it easy to integrate the show into their regular viewing routine.