The show opens with Stephen singing "The Star-Spangled Banner", ending with a cameo by Jon Stewart as an umpire yelling "Play ball!". Later he allows himself to eat one Oreo cookie and share one Donald Trump news story, before spiraling out of control and eating several cookies and showing several Trump stories. George Clooney discusses his career and his "new movie", ‘Decision Strike’. Governor Jeb Bush discusses his presidential campaign. The musical segment of the show features a cast of celebrities joining the band singing "Everyday People".
Stephen explains the technical difficulties he experienced during the making of his first show. The Big Furry Hat. Big Questions with Even Bigger Stars (with Scarlett Johansson). Elon Musk discusses SpaceX and his other projects. Kendrick Lamar performed a medley of songs from his album 'To Pimp a Butterfly’.
Joe Biden and Stephen discuss how the tragic losses of family members affected their lives. Travis Kalanick discusses 'Uber. Toby Keith performed "Rum is the Reason" off his album '35 MPH Town’.
Stephen endorses Yesterday's Coffee. Amy Schumer discusses her new standup special, ‘Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo’. Stephen Colbert's Unseen Mysteries of the Hidden Secrets. Stephen King discusses his new collection of short stories, ‘The Bazaar of Bad Dreams’. Troubled Waters performs "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" with Stephen, as well as "American Tune" during the episode's outro.
Stephen faces off against Novak Djokovic. Stephen Colbert Gets All Up in Your Faith. Emily Blunt discusses 'Sicario’, in addition to having a vomit-off with Stephen. Justice Stephen Breyer discusses recent politics and his new book, 'The Court and the World’. The Dead Weather performs "I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)" from their album 'Dodge and Burn’.
The Hungry for Power Games (Rick Perry). Jake Gyllenhaal discusses 'Everest’. Tim Cook discusses the iPhone 6S. Run the Jewels & TV on the Radio perform "Angel Duster" from the album 'Run the Jewels 2’.
Carol Burnett discusses 'The Carol Burnett Show’. Kevin Spacey discusses 'House of Cards’. Planet of the Apps. Willie Nelson & John Mellencamp discuss Willie's Reserve and Farm Aid, and perform "Night Life".
Trevor Noah discusses 'The Daily Show’ and the Republican Party presidential debate. Stephen launches his own lifestyle brand, Covetton House. Ban Ki-moon discusses recent politics. Chris Stapleton performs "Nobody to Blame" from his album 'Traveller’
Lupita Nyong'o discusses 'Eclipsed’ and ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’. Bernie Sanders discusses his presidential campaign. Christopher Wheeldon discusses ‘An American in Paris’, as Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope perform a selection from the play.
Stephen Curry discusses 'NBA 2K16’. Stephen vs. Stephen (Stephen and Stephen Curry). Ted Cruz discusses his presidential campaign. Don Henley performs "Too Much Pride" from his album 'Cass County’.
The Hungry for Power Games (Scott Walker). Donald Trump discusses his presidential campaign. Trump or Colbert? Ernest Moniz discusses the Iran nuclear deal. Raury performs "Devil's Whisper" from his album ‘All We Need’.
Jon Batiste presents his "new book": ‘Underneath the Chuckles: Life, Laughs, Loss, Love and Learning’. Jackman and Evans discuss 'the Global Poverty Project. Senator Elizabeth Warren discusses the problems with the government. Pearl Jam discusses the Global Citizen Festival and performs "Mind Your Manners", plus a cover of "Rockin' in the Free World" joined by Stephen on vocals.
The Dope on the Pope. Jim Gaffigan, Maria Shriver, Andrew Sullivan and Archbishop Thomas Wenski discuss Pope Francis's visit to America and Catholicism. YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus and the Choir of St. Jean Baptiste perform a rendition of the Hoyt Axton/Three Dog Night song "Joy to the World".
Stephen Colbert's All-Inclusive Wedding Cake Toppers. Malala Yousafzai discusses the right to education for women and her new documentary, ‘He Named Me Malala’; she also performs a magic trick for Stephen. Kerry Washington discusses 'Scandal and the Global Citizen Festival. The Arcs performed "Outta My Mind" from their album 'Yours, Dreamily,’.
First Lady Michelle Obama discusses the "Let Girls Learn" initiative, her life and recent politics. Stephen Colbert's Who Am Me? (Stephen takes the MBTI). John Legend discusses the "FreeAmerica" initiative and performs a duet of "America the Beautiful" with Stephen.
Elliot Page discusses ‘Freeheld’ and LGBT progress. Jesse Eisenberg discusses his new collection of short stories, ‘Bream Gives Me Hiccups: And Other Stories’. Stephen Colbert Gets All Up in Your Faith. Stephen demonstrates Dominic Wilcox's inventions.
Big Questions with Even Bigger Stars (with Tom Hanks). John Oliver discusses ‘Last Week Tonight’. Evan Spiegel discusses Snapchat. Bill Withers and Ed Sheeran discuss Withers' induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as Sheeran performs "Ain't No Sunshine".
John Kerry discusses the Iran nuclear deal. Claire Danes discusses ‘Homeland’. PewDiePie discusses his YouTube channel and his new book, ‘This Book Loves You’.
Yo-Yo Ma sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Whole Foods Apologies. Senator John McCain discusses recent politics. Stephen Colbert's Who Am Me? (Stephen takes a polygraph test). Misty Copeland discusses her new documentary, ‘A Ballerina's Tale’. Copeland also performs the courante from Johann Sebastian Bach's "Cello Suite No. 2" with Ma. The Late Show celebrates Ma's 60th birthday.
Stephen Colbert's Pander Express. Bill Clinton discusses the Clinton Foundation, its projects, and the 2016 election. Billy Eichner discusses ‘Billy on the Street’. Florence and the Machine performs "What Kind of Man" from their album 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’.
The Big Furry Hat. Gina Rodriguez discusses ‘Jane the Virgin’. Stephen Colbert's Esophagorge. Ben Bernanke discusses the 2008 financial crisis and his new book, ‘The Courage to Act’. Tame Impala performs "The Less I Know the Better" from their album 'Currents’.
Stephen Colbert's Digital Doo. Cate Blanchett discusses ‘Truth’. Brian Chesky discusses Airbnb. Buddy Teevens and Elliot Kastner of the Dartmouth Big Green demonstrate their Tackle Dummy.
Life Hacked. James Corden discusses ‘The Late Late Show’ and his appointment as Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Corden performs "Me and My Shadow" with Stephen. Shane Smith discusses VICE Media. Halsey performs "New Americana" from her album ‘Badlands’.
Stephen Colbert’s RejecTED Talks. Carey Mulligan discusses ‘Suffragette’ and the British women’s suffrage movement. Stephen takes a meeting with her producer. Elvis Costello discusses his new memoir, ‘Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink’, and his father’s influence. Darlene Love performs “Forbidden Nights”, from her album ‘Introducing Darlene Love’, with Costello.
Stephen Colbert’s Hot Takes. Sarah Silverman discusses ‘I Smile Back’ and reads bad jokes written by kids with Stephen. Elijah Wood talks ’The Lord of the Rings’ with Stephen and discusses ‘The Last Witch Hunter’. Orchestral performance by ‘The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses’.
Jack Black discusses his years with Tenacious D and Goosebumps. Black performs "My Kind of America" with Stephen. Nick Woodman discusses GoPro. Michelle Dorrance discusses her career and performs a tap dance, with Jon Batiste and Stay Human providing accompaniment.
Oprah Winfrey discusses spirituality with Stephen and ‘OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network)’. Stephen’s pre-show rituals. Judith Hill performs "Cry, Cry, Cry" from her album ’Back in Time’. Joseph Fink & Jeffrey Cranor discuss ’Welcome to Night Vale’.
Jimmy Kimmel discusses ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and his agent, same as Stephen’s, before having a cook-off. Guillermo Del Toro, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston and Mia Wasikowska discuss ’Crimson Peak’. Beach House performs "One Thing" from their album ’Thank Your Lucky Stars’.
The Hungry for Power Games (Jim Webb and Lincoln Chafee), with a cameo appearance by Stanley Tucci. Miller discusses ‘Burnt’. Benoist discusses ‘Supergirl’. Chance the Rapper performs "Angels" from his mixtape ’Coloring Book’.
Lianne La Havas sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Hillary Clinton discusses her presidential campaign. Anthony Bourdain discusses ‘Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown’ and his new graphic novel, ’Get Jiro’. Carrie Brownstein discusses her new memoir, ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’.
Julianna Margulies discusses ‘The Good Wife’. Jonathan Franzen discusses ‘Purity’. Alabama Shakes performs "Joe" from their album ’Sound & Color’. Franzen reads Stephen a bedtime story as the episode’s outro.
Seth MacFarlane discusses his new album, ‘No One Ever Tells You’. Focus on the Universe. Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses ‘StarTalk’ and the latest scientific discoveries. MacFarlane performs "The One I Love (Belongs to Somebody Else)".
The Late Show celebrates Halloween. The Zombies sit in with the band and provide musical accompaniment. Cameo appearance by Rob Gronkowski. Charlie Rose comes out as Frankenstein and discusses ‘Charlie Rose’. Late Show Pumpking Carving Tips. Stacy Schiff comes out as a cat lady and discusses her new book, ‘The Witches: Salem, 1692’. Heavy metal band Ghost performs "Cirice" from their album ‘Meliora’, making their first appearance on a US TV show.
Allison Janney discusses ‘Mom’. Colin Quinn discusses ‘Colin Quinn: The New York Story’. Margaret Cho discusses her new special, ‘Psycho’, and performs "Lice" from her album ‘Cho Dependent’.
Stephen Colbert Gazes into the Infinet. Antonio Banderas discusses ‘The 33’. Reed Hastings discusses Netflix. John Irving discusses his works and his new book, ‘Avenue of Mysteries’, and reads Stephen a bedtime story as the episode’s outro.
The Hungry for Power Games (Lawrence Lessig). Daniel Craig discusses ‘Spectre’. Craig rents a new car. Elizabeth Gilbert discusses the creative process and her new book, ‘Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear’. Dr. Eugenia Cheng discusses baking and mathematics.
Stephen Colbert’s Hot Takes. Bryan Cranston discusses ‘Trumbo’. Big Questions with Even Bigger Stars (with Bryan Cranston). Jon Batiste and Stephen visit New Orleans. Shamir performs "On the Regular" from his album ‘Ratchet’.
Harry Potter and the Cauldron of Spoilers. Stephen Colbert’s RejecTED Talks. Whoopi Goldberg discusses ‘The View’ and her new book, ‘If Someone Says "You Complete Me", RUN!’. Governor John Kasich discusses his presidential campaign. Glen Hansard performs "Lowly Deserter" from his album ‘Didn’t He Ramble’.
Stacie Orrico sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Cameo appearance by Rainn Wilson. Ethan Hawke discusses the New York City Marathon and his new book, ‘Rules for a Knight’. Stephen Colbert’s Midnight Confessions. Senators Claire McCaskill and Amy Klobuchar discuss women in the United States Senate and their books, ‘Plenty Ladylike’ and ‘The Senator Next Door’. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats perform "I Need Never Get Old" from their eponymous album.
Candy Crush Saga "movie clip" with Liam Neeson. Aziz Ansari discusses ‘Master of None’, with an appearance from his father. Shonda Rhimes discusses her new book, ‘Year of Yes’. Bruce Campbell and Lucy Lawless discuss ‘Ash vs. Evil Dead’.
Viola Davis discusses ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Darlene Love and Stephen wishes Jon Batiste a happy birthday. Brian Greene discusses physics. George Ezra performs "Blame It on Me" from his album ‘Wanted on Voyage’.
An appearance from John Dickerson. Jennifer Connelly discusses ‘Shelter’. Judd Apatow discusses his comeback to standup comedy and his new book, ‘Sick in the Head’. The Internet performs "Under Control" from their album ‘Ego Death’.
Mark Ruffalo discusses ‘Spotlight’. The Big Furry Hat (with John Cleese). John Cleese discusses his career in comedy and his new book, ‘So, Anyway…’. Michael Flatley discusses ‘Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games’, followed by a tap dance performance. Stephen acknowledges the terrorists attacks in France in the episode’s outro.
Medal of Honor recipient Jack H. Jacobs discusses the terrorists attacks in France. Bill Maher discusses religion and the presidential election. Medal of Honor recipient Florent Groberg discusses the War in Afghanistan. Shepard Fairey discusses his art and his new book, ‘Covert to Overt’. A performance by The Acro-Cats.
CeeLo Green sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Julianne Moore discusses ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2’ and her new book, ‘Freckleface Strawberry’. Burt Reynolds discusses his acting career and his new book, ‘But Enough About Me’. Public Image Ltd performs "Double Trouble" from their album ‘What the World Needs Now…’.
The Hungry for Power Games (Bobby Jindal). Sharon Stone discusses ‘Agent X’. Justin Theroux discusses ‘The Leftovers’ and has an eyebrow acting contest with Stephen. James Taylor performs "Montana" from his album ‘Before This World’, an updated version of "Fire and Rain" with Stephen and a folk rendition of "La Marseillaise".
12-year-old Brandon Niederauer sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Jane Fonda discusses ‘Youth, Grace and Frankie’ and her career. Andrew Lloyd Webber discusses the musical and performs excerpts from his works with Stephen and Jon Batiste.
Vulfpeck sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Michael Caine discusses ‘Youth’ and his career. Larry Wilmore discusses ‘The Nightly Show’ and his new book, ‘I’d Rather We Got Casinos’. Boots performs "C.U.R.E." from his album ‘AQUΛRIA’.
An appearance from 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kyle Busch. The Late Show Presents: Thanksgiving Turkey Tips with Our Friends at Butterball. Sylvester Stallone discusses ‘Creed’ and ‘Rocky’. Ted Koppel discusses his new book, ‘Lights Out’. My Morning Jacket performs "Tropics" from their album ‘The Waterfall’.
Spike Lee discusses ‘Chi-Raq’. Andy Cohen discusses ‘Then and Now’ and his new book, ‘The Andy Cohen Diaries’. Carly Simon discusses her new memoir, ‘Boys in the Trees’ and performs "Mockingbird" with Stephen. Simon also performs "I Can’t Thank You Enough" from her greatest hits album ‘Songs from the Trees
The Late Show celebrates Thanksgiving. Gloria Estefan discusses ‘On Your Feet!’ and her Cuban heritage. Stephen says goodbye to Zobo, the Late Show Joke-Testing Ape. Eric Greitens and Jake Wood discuss ‘The Mission Continues’ and ‘Team Rubicon’. Daniel Boulud presents his new book, ‘Daniel: My French Cuisine’, and prepares turkeys with Stephen.
Victoria’s Secret Angels Adriana Lima, Behati Prinsloo and Taylor Hill eat buffalo wings. Steve Carell discusses ‘The Big Short’ and sings "Dance With Me" with Stephen. Jennifer Hudson discusses ‘The Color Purple’. Morgan Freeman’s announcer audition. Hudson and the cast of The Color Purple perform "Push Da Button".
Stephen’s J. R. R. Tolkien geekdom pays off. Marion Cotillard discusses ‘Macbeth’. Things That Sound Way More Intriguing When Said in French (with Marion Cotillard). George Saunders discusses his new book, ‘The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip’ and sings ‘Today Is A Beautiful Day, But Not For You’. Joanna Newsom performs "Leaving the City" from her album ‘Divers’. Saunders reads Stephen a bedtime story as the episode’s outro.
Michelle Dockery, Alan Bonneville and Allen Leech discuss ‘Downton Abbey’ and perform a scene with Stephen. Stephen changes a lightbulb outside the Ed Sullivan Theater. Adam McKay discusses ‘The Big Short’. Kurt Vile performs "Pretty Pimpin" from his album ‘B’lieve I’m Goin Down…’.
Jon Stewart makes an appearance to discuss the Zadroga Act. Stephen Colbert’s Midnight Confessions. Bruce Willis discusses ‘Misery’. Stephen doesn’t believe Willis does his own stunts and a fight ensues. Michael Lewis discusses ‘The Big Short’. Andrew Delbanco and Stephen ride a rollercoaster and discuss ‘Moby-Dick’. Lizzo performs "Ain’t I" from her album ‘Big Grrrl Small World’.
Lin-Manuel Miranda discusses ‘Hamilton’, New York and his influences. Miranda and Stephen present "Button! The American Musical". Ike Barinholtz discusses ‘Sisters’. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings perform "8 Days (of Hanukkah)" from their album ‘It’s a Holiday Soul Party’.
Stephen says goodbye to oil. Jennifer Lawrence discusses ‘Joy’ and being human. Big Questions with Even Bigger Stars (with Jennifer Lawrence). Doris Kearns Goodwin discusses the presidential election. The Late Show Presents: Quotable Notables’ Quotables. Sleater-Kinney performs "Bury Our Friends" from their album ‘No Cities to Love’.
Stephen auditions as Han Solo (appearances by Harrison Ford and J. J. Abrams). Quentin Tarantino discusses ‘The Hateful Eight’ and his career. The Big Furry Hat. Jonathan Groff discusses ‘Hamilton’ and teaches Stephen his King George III walk. Squeeze performs "Happy Days" from their album ‘Cradle to the Grave’, with Jon Batiste & Stay Human providing musical accompaniment.
Hashtag: #SpoilerSpoilers. Robert De Niro discusses ‘Joy’ and his career. De Niro also enjoys a cold martini (and silence) with Stephen. Daniel Gilbert discusses his new book, ‘Stumbling on Happiness’. Henry Rollins discusses ‘He Never Died’ and performs A Very Rollins Christmas with Stephen.
Crunchy the Squirrel presents Oatie-O’s. Michael Moore discusses ‘Where to Invade Next’ and takes a more positive look at the world. Samantha Power discusses her position as Ambassador to the United Nations. Michael C. Hall discusses ‘Lazarus’. The Late Show Holiday Gift Guide. Hall and the cast of Lazarus perform the title track of the play.
The Late Show celebrates Christmas. Mandy Patinkin discusses ‘Homeland’ and has some thoughts on the world, fear and humanity. Christmas Party Apologies. Kayvon Beykpour discusses ‘Periscope’. Leon Bridges performs Sam Cooke’s "Jesus Gave Me Water".
Stephen welcomes actress Jane Lynch, from the the CBS comedy series "Angel From Hell"; Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro, and a musical performance by EL VY.
Stephen welcomes actress Saoirse Ronan, CEO of Yelp Jeremy Stoppelman, "Making a Murderer" Filmmakers Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos, and a musical performance by James Bay.
Stephen welcomes actor James Spader, New York Jets Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall, host and Executive Producer of "Serial" Podcast Sarah Koenig, and Rev Run.
Stephen welcomes Josh Brolin, John Dickers, host of CBS News's "Face the Nation"; Environmental Activist Erin Brockovich, and a musical performance by Aubrie Sellers.
Stephen welcomes Dr. Phil, creators of "Togetherness" Mark and Jay Duplass, author Michael Eric Dyson, and a musical performance by Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals.
Stephen welcomes Christopher Meloni, actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead;, Medal of Honor Recipient Edward Byers, and a musical performance by Ray LaMontagne.
Stephen welcomes Steve Martin & Edie Brickell, Shirley MacLaine, and an interview with Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel and performance with orchestra.
An interview with Cartoon Donald Trump. Eric Stonestreet discusses 'Confirmation and Modern Family’. Jason Jones discusses 'The Detour’. Senator Elizabeth Warren discusses the presidential race.
Stephen welcomes Matthew Perry from the CBS comedy series "The Odd Couple," Nick Offerman, a musical performance by Explosions In The Sky, and Parliament-Funkadelic sitting in with Jon Batiste and Stay Human.
Stephen welcomes Hillary Clinton, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Katharine McPhee from the CBS drama series "Scorpion," a musical performance by Sturgill Simpson, and Wayne Shorter sitting in with Jon Batiste and Stay Human.
Stephen welcomes Kevin Spacey, actor Thomas Middleditch, a musical performance by The Flaming Lips, and Arturo Sandoval sitting in with Jon Batiste and Stay Human.
Stephen welcomes Dennis Quaid, actor Matt Walsh, a musical performance by Charles Bradley, and Tootie & Jimmy Heath sitting in with Jon Batiste and Stay Human.
Stephen welcomes the cast of the CBS drama series "The Good Wife": Julianna Margulies, Christine Baranski, and Matt Czuchry, also Hank Azaria, and Nike Co-Founder and Chairman Phil Knight.
Stephen welcomes Kaley Cuoco from the CBS comedy series "The Big Bang Theory," author and podcast host Dan Savage, and a musical performance by The National.
