Current broadcast schedule
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs new episodes Monday through Thursday most weeks on CBS in the United States. In the Eastern and Central time zones, the show typically follows The Late Late Show and begins at 11:35 PM local time, with the West Coast often receiving a delayed feed around 2:35 AM or 4:35 AM the next day depending on affiliate scheduling. Friday episodes are uncommon in the regular first-run cycle and may appear only during special sweeps or event weeks. Check your local CBS affiliate for exact times, as some markets adjust for local news or sports pre-emptions. You can also stream new episodes on Paramount+ with a live add-on or watch via CBS.com when available.
Where to watch and how to find the show
Over-the-air and cable
Viewers can watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on the CBS national network and many local affiliates. Channel numbers vary by market, and some regions carry the show on a subchannel or a CBS-owned station. Most cable and satellite plans include CBS in their basic tiers, so tuning in requires only a standard package.
Streaming options
The primary streaming home for CBS programming is Paramount+. A Paramount+ subscription with the Live Network includes CBS live and on-demand access, which covers most new episodes of The Late Show shortly after broadcast. Select episodes may also appear on the CBS app or website depending on licensing. Outside the U.S., availability and timing differ by region, so it is best to check local catalog and time zone rules.
Typical time slots by region
| Region | Local airtime | CBS feed type |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern and Central | 11:35 PM ET/CT | Live feed |
| Pacific | 2:35 AM or 4:35 AM PT (next day) | Delayed feed |
| Mountain | 12:35 AM or 2:35 AM MT (next day) | Delayed feed |
What to expect on a normal episode
The Late Show typically follows a structured format that blends topical monologue, celebrity and political interviews, and comedy bits or field segments. The monologue sets the tone for the evening and can run several minutes, followed by a conversation with a guest that often extends beyond the first commercial break. Musical guests may appear later in the show, and occasional special segments highlight satire or social commentary. While each episode varies, this framework makes it easy to identify a new show versus reruns.
How to check for schedule changes
- Visit the official CBS Late Show page or your local affiliate site for the most current local time.
- Check Paramount+ Live listings when the show is scheduled to air.
- Look for announcements during special weeks, such as holidays or major awards season, which can shift first-run episodes.
Special episodes and events
During awards seasons, election cycles, or major cultural moments, The Late Show may feature extended hours, special guests, or live coverage. These events can shift the typical start time or add a Friday episode. When this happens, CBS and Paramount+ usually announce the change in advance. Otherwise, the default remains a Monday through Thursday first-run schedule.