Stephen Colbert Teases Next Project Following ‘Late Show’ Cancellation
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on July 29, 2025 at 1:15 PM EDT
Stephen Colbert may be signing off from late-night TV soon, but he’s already eyeing his next act.
The "Late Show" host, whose CBS series will end after 10 seasons, hinted on Monday’s (July 28) episode that podcasting could be his next career move.
Stephen Colbert dropped the revelation during a chat with "Saturday Night Live" star Bowen Yang and his "Las Culturistas" podcast cohost Matt Rogers, whose hit show was recently honored on Time Magazine’s list of the 100 all-time best podcasts.
Stephen Colbert Jokes About Jumping Into Podcasting After ‘Late Show’
"I'm going to need a gig soon, so sell me on podcasting. Is it fun?" Colbert asked the duo, prompting laughs from the audience.
Rogers quipped that if Colbert jumped into the medium, "Las Culturistas" would likely get “bumped” from the prestigious list. Still, he offered genuine advice, explaining that their podcast, launched in 2016, grew in popularity during the pandemic because listeners craved connection.
"That's what they wanted, to connect and hear a friendship in action. Hear conversation between people who are over-caffeinated," Rogers said, adding that the key to podcasting success is to “keep it real.”
Yang even pitched Colbert on an idea for a show with his wife, Evelyn "Evie" McGee Colbert. "Dates with each other, right?" Colbert clarified, after Yang suggested they go on dates and then recap them. Yang laughed, saying, "That’s up to you," before adding, “That sounds really sweet to me.”
Colbert, playing along, joked about bringing the project under the “Las Culturistas empire.”
Colbert’s Podcast Joke Comes Weeks After CBS Axes ‘Late Show’
The lighthearted moment came less than two weeks after Colbert announced "The Late Show"’s cancellation during a July 17 taping.
CBS later confirmed that the decision wasn’t about ratings or content, but rather “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night.”
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the network praised Colbert’s run. “Stephen has taken CBS late night by storm with cutting-edge comedy, a must-watch monologue and interviews with leaders in entertainment, politics, news and newsmakers across all areas.”
Stephen Colbert Fires Back After Trump Gloats Over ‘Late Show’ Cancellation
Donald Trump wasted no time celebrating the news of "The Late Show"’s cancellation, gloating on his Truth Social platform that he “absolutely love[s] that Colbert was fired.” The president has long clashed with Colbert, who’s been one of his most outspoken late-night critics.
Colbert didn’t let the jab go unanswered. On his July 28 broadcast, the comedian fired back, declaring the “gloves are off” in response to Trump’s taunt.
The feud between the two reignited earlier this month when Colbert ripped Paramount’s controversial $16 million settlement with Trump over "60 Minutes," calling the payout a “big fat bribe.” CBS’ parent company Paramount is currently seeking federal approval for its $8 billion sale to Skydance, a deal that must pass through the Trump-influenced Federal Communications Commission.
Colbert Mocks Trump’s Bizarre Epstein Remarks
Colbert has also been ramping up his mockery of Trump’s eyebrow-raising comments about disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. During a July 28 monologue, the Late Show host zeroed in on Trump’s bizarre phrasing while speaking with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“'By the way, I never went to the island,’” Colbert quoted Trump. “‘I never had the privilege of going to his island.’ I’m sorry, what? ‘Sadly, I never had the honor of dining with [serial killer] Jeffrey Dahmer,’” Colbert quipped, sending the audience into laughter.
The remarks from Trump, who told Starmer he “turned down” Epstein’s invitation but called it a “privilege,” have only fueled Colbert’s critiques.
Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, And A-List Friends Join Stephen Colbert After Show’s Axing
Colbert wasn’t alone as he faced the studio audience for the first time since news of "The Late Show"’s cancellation broke.
On the July 21 broadcast, a slew of fellow entertainers and late-night heavyweights showed up to support him, turning the episode into something of a star-studded reunion. Jon Stewart and John Oliver, both close friends of Colbert, were spotted in the audience, joined by NBC late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.
Adam Sandler also popped up alongside his "Happy Gilmore 2" co-star Christopher McDonald, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Bravo’s Andy Cohen attended with longtime pal and CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, underscoring just how deep Colbert’s ties run across television.
As for Colbert's future, it looks like fans may still hear his voice in the future, but this time through headphones instead of late-night airwaves.
