Current Airtime for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35 PM Eastern on CBS in the United States, with the program typically beginning at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT and running for about 62 minutes. Check local listings in advance, as start times can shift by a few minutes due to network scheduling or affiliate practices.
Standard Weeknight Schedule
On most CBS affiliates, the half-hour local news leads into The Late Show around 11:35 PM Eastern. Weekends usually feature reruns, encore presentations, or specials rather than a new episode. Streaming and cable carriage can affect exact channel numbers and early access, so confirming with your provider is helpful.
Airtime Snapshot
| Day | Typical Local Start (ET) | Typical Format |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 11:35 PM ET | New episode, Taped before live audience |
| Saturday | Varies | Reruns or specials |
| Sunday | Varies | Reruns or specials |
Time Zone and Affiliate Variations
Because the U.S. spans four main time zones, viewers should translate 11:35 PM ET to their local time: 10:35 PM CT, 9:35 PM MT, or 8:35 PM PT. Individual CBS affiliates may air the show slightly earlier or later due to local newscast lengths, sports overruns, or technical delays. When in doubt, check CBS.com, your cable guide, or the network’s app for the most current schedule.
Handling Delays and Preemptions
Live sports, breaking news, or extended local segments can push back the start of The Late Show by a few minutes or move it to a later timeslot. Preemptions are uncommon but may occur for special programming. Using a TV provider’s DVR or a streaming service with cloud-based recordings can help ensure you don’t miss the show if an overrun occurs.
Where to Confirm the Schedule
- CBS website and network app
- Local CBS affiliate site and listings
- TV provider guide or streaming platform schedule
- Official Late Show social channels for last-minute updates
Quick Recap
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is part of CBS’s late-night lineup, anchored by The Late Show. Weekdays typically begin at 11:35 PM Eastern. Weekends generally carry repeats, with occasional specials. To avoid missing an episode, verify your local time with your provider or CBS’s schedule tools.