Stephen Colbert hosts The Late Show on CBS, typically airing weeknights in most U.S. markets. If you’re asking when Stephen Colbert comes on, the reliable pattern is Monday through Friday late shows with new episodes roughly September through May; exact times vary by station, so checking your local CBS affiliate or cable lineup is the fastest way to confirm tonight’s status. This guide explains the schedule, how to watch live or on demand, what to expect from new episodes, and how to catch recent reruns or clips when a new episode isn’t airing.
Stephen Colbert’s regular show schedule
For most of the year, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert follows a traditional late-night calendar aligned with the U.S. television season. New episodes are produced and broadcast Monday through Friday. In the Eastern Time Zone, the show usually begins at 11:35 p.m., with local start times adjusted accordingly in each market. The season typically runs from September through May, with breaks in December, over spring holidays, and during the summer months when repeats and specials often fill the schedule.
Because local CBS affiliates may pre-empt or delay the show for local programming, you should always verify your market’s precise airtime. Digital program guides, the CBS website, or your TV provider’s schedule are reliable sources for the exact start time in your city. Outside of new seasons and holiday pauses, reruns and recap episodes may air in place of fresh content, so checking the official channel helps you avoid missing the live show.
How to find your local air time
- Visit the CBS station finder and enter your ZIP code.
- Check your TV provider’s electronic program guide.
- Use a TV listing site or app tuned to your location.
Where to watch The Late Show live or on demand
Watching options for new episodes and replays depend on your preferences and location. In most areas, the show airs live on CBS via over-the-air broadcast or on a local CBS affiliate channel. If you subscribe to a cable or satellite package, you can access CBS through the standard tiers that include the network. Streaming services that carry CBS also provide a convenient way to follow the series without a traditional pay-TV plan.
CBS offers a live stream with a cable login through the CBS app and website for subscribers. Alternatively, several streaming platforms include CBS in their channel lineups and allow you to add the network as an extra. Free ad-supported streaming is often limited, but you may access recent episodes on demand through the network’s platforms. For fans outside the U.S., availability varies, so checking geo-friendly streaming options or a reliable VPN can help if you’re traveling.
Streaming and on-demand options at a glance
| Platform | Live access | On-demand access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over the air (CBS) | Yes, with an antenna | Limited (clips) | Free; local affiliate schedule applies |
| Live TV streaming (CBS app with cable login) | Yes with cable subscription | Episodes for 7–30 days | Requires TV provider login |
| Streaming services with CBS | Varies by service | Episodes usually available after airing | Separate subscription may be required |
| CBS website and app (free) | Restricted or none | Selected clips and recent episodes | Geo-restrictions may apply |
How to watch recent episodes when Stephen Colbert is off
When there is no new episode, you can still catch up through reruns and curated clips. Many markets air encore presentations of recent shows overnight or in daytime slots, and CBS often streams recent episodes on its app and website for a limited window. Social platforms and the show’s official YouTube channel typically feature highlight clips, interviews, and monologues shortly after broadcast, giving you a quick recap of the latest segments.
Ways to catch up when a new show isn’t airing
- Check CBS’s on-demand library for recent episode access.
- Use your TV provider’s cloud DVR to replay last night’s episode.
- Watch clips and recap segments on YouTube and social channels.
- Look for syndicated reruns on other networks or services.
Upcoming appearances, specials, and breaks
Throughout the year, Colbert may take scheduled breaks, participate in promotional tours, or film special episodes, which can temporarily change the regular schedule. Annual summer reruns, holiday hiatuses, and short breaks for award coverage or remote shoots are common. When a notable special is planned, the network typically announces it in advance with a preview and a specific time slot. Staying tuned to official show announcements helps you know when to expect new original episodes versus repeats or special programming.
How to stay updated on Stephen Colbert’s show times
To keep current on when new episodes will air, set reminders using TV listing apps, subscribe to show notifications from the CBS app, or follow the show’s official social accounts for schedule updates. If your station changes its lineup, these channels are the first to reflect accurate local timing. Adjusting your habits around known break periods, such as summer reruns or major awards coverage, also helps you plan when fresh content will return.
Quick summary: how to know when Stephen Colbert comes on
- The Late Show airs weeknights during the TV season, usually starting around 11:35 p.m. ET.
- Check your local CBS affiliate for exact times, because markets may vary.
- Stream live with a cable login on the CBS app or watch on-demand episodes.
- Use CBS on-demand, YouTube clips, and social posts when no new episode is airing.
- Follow show announcements to anticipate breaks, specials, and return dates.