Stephen Colbert’s tenure on The Late Show: a verified timeline
Stephen Colbert has been the host of The Late Show on CBS since September 8, 2015. As of 2025, he has served as its sixth nightly host for approximately 10 years. This explainer covers his start date, predecessor, contract status, and reliable sources you can use to verify how long he has been on the show.
The Short Answer
Colbert began hosting The Late Show on September 8, 2015, and has continued as host through the 2024–2025 season. Independent talk-show databases and network press releases confirm he has been on the program for roughly 10 years.
Key Host History of The Late Show
Understanding the broader host timeline clarifies Colbert’s place in the show’s history and why start dates and tenure matter for ratings, tone, and audience expectations.
| Host | Tenure (Start–End) | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Letterman | 1993–2015 | CBS | Long-form, Top Ten format; retired in 2015 |
| Stephen Colbert | 2015–present | CBS | Premiered September 8, 2015; ongoing as of 2025 |
Premiere Date and Early Period
Colbert’s first episode aired on September 8, 2015, following Letterman’s final show. CBS promoted the debut extensively, highlighting Colbert’s late-night experience, including his prior work on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report. Early reviews noted a shift toward a more conversational, monologue-driven style compared with the Top Ten legacy format.
Contract and Renewal Indicators
While specific contract terms are rarely disclosed, trade reporting indicates CBS extended Colbert’s agreement multiple times to cover the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 seasons. These renewals suggest network confidence in his performance and steady audience levels for The Late Show.
Audience and Performance Metrics
Colbert’s tenure has coincided with measurable shifts in how late-night is consumed, including streaming and social clips. Trade outlets have periodically reported on his ratings relative to predecessors and contemporaries, often noting a loyal, younger streaming audience while acknowledging variance across demo groups.
Comparison Points
- Premiere date: September 8, 2015
- Approximate years on air (as of 2025): 10
- Network consistency: CBS throughout
- Format evolution: Traditional desk to increased digital integration
Evaluating Longevity in Late Night
Tenure in late night is often measured by continuity, adaptability to platform changes, and audience retention. Colbert’s roughly 10 years on The Late Show places him in the midrange of modern hosts, after Letterman’s 33 years and well before any potential successor. Industry analysts typically cite his steady performance and niche audience alignment as factors in ongoing renewals.
Reliable Sources You Can Check
To verify tenure and related facts, consult authoritative trade publications, network press materials, and vetted databases that track broadcast history.
- CBS Press Express show page for The Late Show
- Variety or Hollywood Reporter archives on host renewals
- Encyclopedic TV databases with entry dates and episode metadata
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Stephen Colbert replace David Letterman?
Yes. Colbert became the host of The Late Show after Letterman retired in 2015, inheriting the CBS time slot and program name.
Has Colbert ever missed a significant number of shows?
Like most late-night hosts, Colbert has had scheduled breaks and occasional disruptions; however, he has maintained continuous hosting duties across seasons.
Are there plans for a new host after Colbert?
CBS has not announced any changes as of the latest public information; Colbert remains the host for the current season.
How does Colbert’s tenure compare to other Late Show hosts?
Compared to Letterman’s multi-decade run, Colbert’s tenure is shorter but aligns with typical modern host cycles, and renewal patterns suggest continuity through at least the mid-2020s.
What defines Colbert’s style on The Late Show?
Colbert’s approach combines nightly monologues, celebrity interviews, field pieces, and increased digital interaction, building on his satirical background while adapting to streaming-era consumption. CBS Press Express and reputable entertainment trade outlets provide the most reliable information regarding host contracts and renewal announcements.