Stephen Colbert is already planning his next career move after The Late Show‘s controversial cancellation.
During the Monday, July 28, episode of his late night series, Colbert, 61, joked about venturing into podcasting while getting advice from Las Culturistas’ Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers.
“I’m going to need a gig soon, so sell me on podcasting. Is it fun?” he asked Yang, 34, and Rogers, 35, while referencing their podcast being included on TIME’s list of the 100 all-time best podcasts.
Rogers, for his part, joked that their podcast was likely at the bottom of the list, adding, “You start one, we’re getting bumped. Like almost certainly.”
He went on to recall being surprised by the podcast’s success since they thought “no one would listen” when they started recording in 2016.
“That’s what they wanted, to connect and hear a friendship in action,” he added. “Hear conversation between people who are over-caffeinated.”
While Rogers suggested that Colbert just keep it “real” on a potential podcast, Yang pitched a show that involved Colbert going on dates with his wife, Evelyn “Evie” McGee Colbert.
“Dates with each other, right?” Colbert asked. In response, Yang quipped, “That’s up to you. That sounds really sweet to me.”
Colbert’s comments about his next steps come less than a month after he confirmed The Late Show was canceled.
“Before we start the show I want to let you know something that I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season,” Colbert announced during a July taping as the audience booed. “I share your feelings. It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.”
He continued: “I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners. … And I’m grateful to the audience, you, who have joined us every night, in here, out there, and all around the world.”
Colbert confirmed at the time that CBS “will be ending The Late Show” in May 2026, but a specific date for the final episode hasn’t been announced yet. CBS executives, meanwhile, released a statement addressing their decision, revealing it was not “related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount” but was instead due to finances.
The Late Show received an outpouring of support as fellow late night hosts slammed CBS’ decision to pull the plug. Jimmy Kimmel reposted a clip of Colbert’s announcement via his Instagram Story with the caption, “Love you Stephen. F*** you and all your Sheldons CBS.”
Jimmy Fallon, meanwhile, said he was “just as shocked as everyone” else.
“Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come,” he wrote via Instagram. “I’m sad that my family and friends will need a new show to watch every night at 11:30. But honestly, he’s really been a gentleman and a true friend over the years, going back to The Colbert Report, and I’m sure whatever he does next will be just as brilliant.”
Watch What Happens Live’s Andy Cohen weighed in as well, telling Deadline, “I think it’s a sad day for late-night television. I think it’s a sad day for CBS. I think Stephen Colbert is a singular talent. He’s going to have an incredible next chapter.”
Cohen added, “I can’t believe CBS is turning off the lights at 11:30 after the local news. I’m stunned. He’s one of three late night shows deemed worthy enough for an Emmy nomination. He produces a brilliant show.”
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