Overview of the Stephen Colbert Show and Current Airing Details
The query about the Stephen Colbert show time and channel typically refers to his long-form interview program The Colbert Report, which originally aired on Comedy Central from 2005 to 2014, and to his later CBS series The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which began in September 2015. This guide clarifies where and when you can find his programming, how episode lengths and scheduling have evolved, and how to check today’s lineups across platforms. It focuses on durable details to help you reliably locate the correct show and time.
The Colbert Report: Original Run, Time Slot, and Channel
Channel and Basic Schedule
The Colbert Report aired on Comedy Central in the United States. It was a weekly, half-hour to 45-minute series that used a fixed time slot to build a consistent audience. The show followed a structured release pattern tied to U.S. workweeks and academic calendars.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Channel | Comedy Central | Network announcement and press releases |
| Typical Start Time (ET) | 11:30 PM | Historical listings and network schedules |
| Typical Episode Length | 22–30 minutes | Program metadata and archive records |
| Original Run | October 17, 2005 – December 18, 2014 | Official series history |
| Release Pattern | Monday through Thursday most weeks; occasional breaks | Season and episode calendars |
How Time Slot Worked in Practice
As a late-night satirical news program, the Colbert Report followed The Daily Show and occupied a predictable window in the evening schedule. Episodes usually aired at 11:30 PM Eastern Time on Mondays through Thursdays, though some markets shifted the start time slightly based on local affiliate practices. Special one-off episodes and election-night coverage sometimes extended the runtime or shifted the start. The show occupied a consistent time slot for roughly a decade, giving viewers a stable reference point for when to watch.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: Move to CBS
Channel Shift and New Time Slot
In 2015, Stephen Colbert moved to CBS to host The Late Show, a traditional late-night talk show competing directly with other established programs in the U.S. market. The shift changed both the network and the time slot, reflecting a move to a broader commercial audience.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Channel | CBS | Network press release, September 2015 |
| Premiere Date | September 8, 2015 | Network announcement and press materials |
| Typical Start Time (ET) | 11:35 PM | CBS schedule and listings |
| Typical Episode Length | 42–47 minutes | Program metadata and archive records |
| Release Pattern | Monday through Friday; occasional preemption for sports | Weekly schedule and special broadcast notices |
Schedule Nuances on The Late Show
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert follows the standard U.S. late-night format: a monologue, segments, interviews, and a band performance. Episodes air after The Late Late Show and compete with other network shows in the same window. Start times are usually 11:35 PM Eastern, but can shift by a few minutes depending on overruns from preceding programming, particularly sports. Preemption for breaking news or special CBS programming is uncommon but possible. Most weeks, the show runs Monday through Friday, with reruns or special editions filling lighter slots.
How to Find Today’s Stephen Colbert Show Time and Channel
- Check your local cable or satellite provider’s electronic program guide (EPG) for the most accurate current channel and start time.
- Visit the official CBS schedule page for The Late Show to see tonight’s episode and any preemption notices.
- Consult reliable TV listing sites or apps, such as TV Guide, NextGuide, or your platform’s search tool, using the show title and current date.
- If you watch via streaming, confirm whether your service carries CBS Live or the CBS app in your region, and whether episodes are available on demand shortly after broadcast.
- For Comedy Central reruns of The Colbert Report, check the Comedy Central website or app for late-night encores if you are looking for historic episodes.
Key Differences Between the Two Shows
| Aspect | The Colbert Report | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Comedy Central | CBS |
| Original Time Slot (Typical) | 11:30 PM ET | 11:35 PM ET |
| Episode Length | 22–30 minutes | 42–47 minutes |
| Release Days | Mon–Thu most weeks | Mon–Fri, with rare preemption |
| Format | Satirical news program | Traditional late-night talk show |
Common Questions About Airing Details
Does The Colbert Report still air new episodes?
No. The Colbert Report ended in 2014 and does not air new episodes. Some markets may air reruns in late-night slots, but these are repeats, not new content.
What time does The Late Show air in my area?
The standard national time is 11:35 PM Eastern, but your local CBS affiliate may vary by a few minutes based on prior programming. Consult your TV provider’s EPG for precision in your location.
Can I watch The Late Show live online?
Yes, many streaming services that include CBS offer live streams of The Late Show. Availability depends on your subscription and regional restrictions. CBS also provides limited free content with ads through CBS.com and the CBS app in supported markets.
Where can I verify if tonight’s episode is pre-empted?
Check the CBS schedule page for The Late Show, your local station’s announcements, or trusted TV listing apps. Breaking news or special programming can cause rare schedule changes, so it’s best to confirm close to airtime.
Summary: How to Keep Track of Stephen Colbert Show Time and Channel
When people refer to the Stephen Colbert show time and channel, they usually mean either The Colbert Report on Comedy Central (historically 11:30 PM ET, Monday–Thursday) or The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS (currently 11:35 PM ET, Monday–Friday). The shift from satirical news to traditional late-night talk programming corresponds to a move from cable to broadcast television and longer episodes. To stay current, check your local listings, the official CBS schedule, and account for rare preemption. These stable reference points make it straightforward to identify the correct show and tune in at the right time.