Overview and typical airtime
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is a weekly television program produced by CBS Studios and aired on CBS. In most U.S. markets, the show airs on weeknights, generally following local late evening news blocks. Typical start times are between 11:30 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. local time on Monday through Friday, though exact scheduling can differ by station, time zone, and preemption due to sports or breaking news. Episodes are also available on Paramount+ and other streaming partners the day after broadcast in most regions.
Standard weekly schedule
While local variations exist, The Late Show generally follows a predictable nightly pattern on CBS during the regular season. Weekday episodes air in prime late-night time slots, and start times are usually consistent across a given market. If a late field report or extended news segment runs long, the show’s start time may shift slightly later. Check your local listings or station website for the precise local start time in your area.
Typical local start times by night (examples)
| Market type | Common local start time (Mon–Fri) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time | 11:30 p.m. | Follows local 11:00 p.m. news |
| Central Time | 10:30 p.m. | Often follows 10:00 p.m. news |
| Mountain Time | 9:30 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. | Varies by station and time zone |
| Pacific Time | 8:30 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. | Earlier start common on West Coast |
| Alaska/Hawaii | Timings vary widely | Check local CBS affiliate |
How to find your local start time
Because The Late Show is scheduled at the local discretion of each CBS affiliate, start times can differ even within the same time zone. The most reliable way to confirm tonight’s exact start time is to check your local station’s website, call their newsroom, or use an electronic program guide (EPG) on your TV. Online tools that accept your ZIP code or market can also return station-specific air times.
Where to watch and stream
When it airs in your market, The Late Show is available via live TV on a CBS affiliate broadcast channel (RF channel or virtual channel varies) and through cable, satellite, or internet-based pay TV providers that include CBS in their lineup. For cord-cutters, Paramount+ includes current-season episodes on demand the day after broadcast in supported regions. Some markets also offer live streaming through services that carry local CBS channels; device support varies by platform and provider.
Possible schedule changes and exceptions
Episodes may be preempted or delayed for major sporting events, special CBS programming, or severe weather. Taped repeats sometimes air if a new episode is postponed. On holiday weeks or during coverage of live events, the show may move to a different night or time, or produce fewer new episodes for the week. When in doubt, consult your local station or check CBS’s official announcements for the latest schedule.
Frequently asked questions
- Does The Late Show air every night? Generally yes, Monday through Friday. It does not typically air new episodes on weekends, though special weekend episodes can occur during sweeps or holiday periods.
- What time does it start on weekends? The show rarely premieres new episodes on weekends; when they air, times are announced locally and may vary.
- Is The Late Show available on streaming the same night? Most viewers can access recent episodes on Paramount+ the day after broadcast, not always live unless their provider offers CBS live streaming.
- Do all CBS affiliates air it at the same time? No, affiliates choose their late-night slots; start times can differ by market and even by cable system.
- What happens during sports overruns? Extended sports or breaking news can push back or replace a new episode; check local listings for alternate scheduling or on-demand availability.
Quick summary checklist
- Typical weeknight window: 11:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m. local (varies by time zone)
- Primary channel: CBS affiliate in your market
- Streaming: Paramount+ next-day on demand; live streams depend on provider
- Best way to confirm tonight: Check your local station’s schedule or your TV EPG
- Possible changes: Preemptions for sports, specials, or weather