Stephen Colbert, the charismatic host of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” finds himself reflecting on his unexpectedly fulfilling journey in late-night television as he approaches his final episode, scheduled for May 21. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE for this week’s cover story, Colbert candidly reveals the thought process that led to his initial reluctance to take on the role after David Letterman.
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The esteemed television personality, now 62, admits that hosting “The Late Show” was never part of his aspirations. Growing up watching Johnny Carson and entering college just as David Letterman was beginning his late-night career, Colbert had a different narrative in mind for his future. “This gig was never the goal,” he stated. “I admire what they do, but this wasn’t the goal,” he added, highlighting that he primarily viewed himself as an actor and writer, rather than a stand-up comedian.
Before arriving at the late-night helm, Colbert gained widespread acclaim during his eight-year tenure on “The Daily Show.” In 2005, he secured his own spinoff, portraying a fictional conservative commentator that ran for nine seasons and even clinched an Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Series in 2013. Despite his success on that platform, he did not envision hosting another late-night show.
The offer to take over “The Late Show” came in 2015, and apprehension loomed large in Colbert’s mind. He spent months grappling with the decision, undergoing therapy as he wrestled with the implications of the role. “At first I was like, ‘No, I can’t go do that job. I’m not a stand-up. I’ve never been myself,’” he recalled. With some encouragement from his manager, James Dixon, Colbert agreed to consider the opportunity more seriously.
A pivotal moment in his decision-making process came when he consulted with his sister, Mary. Unfortunately, their mother had passed away earlier, leaving Colbert with no one to discuss this significant change with. “I said to Mary, ‘Could you come up to New York? I just want to talk to you about something,’” he shared. Upon revealing the offer to Mary, her enthusiastic response was contagious, leading him to conclude, “If this show works out, CBS should send you a bouquet of flowers because your happiness is what sealed it for me.”
Reflecting on his 11 seasons as host, Colbert expresses gratitude for the platform that has allowed him to engage with a diverse range of topics. His passion for addressing issues imbued with confusion or levity remains undiminished. “I love going out there and talking about the things that were confusing or anxiety-inducing or enraging,” he said. “Whenever it can be just silly, that’s the best.”
The journey has not been without its challenges. The announcement of “The Late Show” being cancelled in July 2025 came shortly after Colbert made headlines for criticising the network’s parent company, Paramount, over a controversial settlement tied to former President Donald Trump. However, Colbert remains undeterred in his convictions: “I’ll never stop caring about my country. I’m a perfectly fine fan of me, but I do not believe that if my voice is missing from the national conversation, the republic will turn awry.”
As he prepares to say goodbye to the audience that has supported him, Colbert reflects on the camaraderie he has experienced throughout the years. “I harvest laughter for a living,” he mused. “I’ll miss that as much as I’ll miss the audience, that camaraderie of us feeling better about our day.” His intention has been to brighten the lives of viewers in a world rife with complexities and uncertainties.
Colbert’s reflections on his time hosting “The Late Show” culminate in an intriguing assertion. He jokingly wonders if CBS “saved my life,” suggesting that stepping down will allow him to reclaim energy and time for new pursuits, free from the rigorous demands of daily broadcasts.
The final episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will air on May 21 at 11:35 p.m. ET, providing fans with one last opportunity to partake in the warmth and wit that has characterised Colbert’s tenure. As his journey takes a new turn, the beloved host leaves behind a legacy marked by humour, insight, and an unwavering commitment to his principles. For further insights into Colbert’s perspective, readers can explore the latest issue of PEOPLE.