Season 6
🎬 168 Episodes 📅 2020 ⏱ 56 min
Late-night television reaches new heights of wit and relevance when a master satirist commandeers the legendary Ed Sullivan Theater stage. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert transforms nightly conversation into sharp social commentary, where politicians, artists, and cultural figures find themselves in unexpectedly thoughtful dialogues seasoned with biting humor. With Jon Batiste's Stay Human providing a rhythmic heartbeat beneath the comedy, each episode becomes a masterclass in balancing entertainment with substance, proving that laughter and insight can coexist on the same stage.
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📊 Season Stats
168
Episodes
2020
Year
56
min / ep
156.8
Watch Hours
6/11
Season No.
🎬 Season Trailer
Watch Trailer
🎬 Episodes 168 episodes
📺
1
Bob Woodward, Luke Combs
Stephen welcomes journalist Bob Woodward and a musical performance by Luke Combs.
📺
2
Janelle Monae, Jacob Soboroff
Stephen welcomes signer Janelle Monae and journalist Jacob Soboroff.
📺
3
Drew Barrymore, Lang Lang
Stephen welcomes actress Drew Barrymore and a musical performance by Lang Lang.
📺
4
Sarah Paulson, PJ Morton
Stephen welcomes actress Sarah Paulson and a musical performance by PJ Morton.
📺
5
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, Laurence Fishburne
Stephen welcomes Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster and actor Laurence Fishburne.
📺
6
Desus Nice, The Kid Mero, Jake Isaac
Stephen welcomes TV hosts Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, and a musical performance by Jake Isaac.
📺
7
Jeff Daniels, Yusuf / Cat Stevens
Stephen welcomes actor Jeff Daniels and a performance by Yusuf / Cat Stevens.
📺
8
Rep. Katie Porter, Tony Romo
Stephen welcomes Rep. Katie Porter and sports analyst Tony Romo.
📺
9
Mariah Carey, Rex Orange County
Stephen welcomes singer Mariah Carey and a musical performance by Rex Orange County.
📺
10
Cory Booker, Public Enemy
Stephen welcomes Senator Cory Booker and a musical performance by Public Enemy.
📺
11
John Lithgow, Jonathan Alter
Stephen welcomes actor John Lithgow and journalist Jonathan Alter.
📺
12
Ethan Hawke, Andrew Weissmann
Stephen welcomes actor Ethan Hawke and Prosecutor Andrew Weissmann.
📺
13
Dr. Jon LaPook, John Dickerson
Stephen welcomes CBS News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. LaPook and CBS News political analyst John Dickerson.
📺
14
Jon Bon Jovi
Stephen welcomes singer Jon Bon Jovi for an interview and a musical performance.
📺
15
Jerry Seinfeld, Ella Mai
Stephen welcomes actor Jerry Seinfeld and a musical performance by Ella Mai.
📺
16
Pete Buttigieg, Future Islands
Stephen welcomes Mayor Pete Buttigieg and a musical performance by Future Islands.
📺
17
Mindy Kaling, John Brennan
Stephen welcomes actress Mindy Kaling and Former CIA Director John Brennan.
📺
18
Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Aaron Sorkin
Stephen welcomes the stars and creator of “The West Wing”: Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, and Aaron Sorkin.
📺
19
Joy Reid, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Stephen welcomes television host Joy Reid and actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
📺
20
Dolly Parton, Ty Dolla $ign
Stephen welcomes singer Dolly Parton and a musical performance by Ty Dolla $ign.
📺
21
Bruce Springsteen, Eva Longoria
Stephen welcomes singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen and actress Eva Longoria.
📺
22
Andrew Cuomo, Matt Berninger
Stephen welcomes Governor Andrew Cuomo and a musical performance by Matt Berninger.
📺
23
Sam Waterston
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: 2020 Campaign Coverage Special hosted by Sam Waterston.
📺
24
Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeff Tweedy
Stephen welcomes actor Sacha Baron Cohen and musician Jeff Tweedy.
📺
25
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Sarah Cooper
Stephen welcomes medial reporter Dr. Sanjay Gupta and author Sarah Cooper.
📺
26
Jaime Harrison, Elvis Costello
Stephen welcomes politician Jaime Harrison, plus an interview with and a musical performance by Elvis Costello.
📺
27
Julie Andrews, Amy Walter, Sam Smith
Stephen welcomes actress Julia Andrews, political analyst Amy Walter with a musical performance by Sam Smith.
📺
28
Jon Stewart, Neil deGrasse Tyson
Stephen welcomes actor Jon Stewart and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.
📺
29
John Oliver, Cher, Jojo
Stephen welcomes TV Host John Oliver, singer Cher, plus a musical performance by Jojo.
📺
30
Shepard Smith, Leon Bridges, Lucky Daye
Stephen welcomes CNBC's Chief general anchor Shepard Smith, and a musical performance by Leon Bridges and Lucky Daye.
📺
31
Larry Wilmore, Laura Benanti
Stephen welcomes comedian Larry Wilmore and a musical performance by Laura Benanti.
📺
32
Alex Wagner, John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon, Charlamagne Tha God, Jena Friedman, Maz Jobrani, Arcade Fire
Network presentation of The Late Show's Showtime Election Night Special, The hosts of "The Circus": Alex Wagner, John Heilemann and Mark McKinnon, Charlamagne Tha God, Jena Friedman, Maz Jobrani, and a musical performance by Arcade Fire.
📺
33
Stacey Abrams, Thomas Middleditch
Stephen welcomes politician Stacey Abrams and actor Thomas Middleditch.
📺
34
Hugh Grant, Sturgill Simpson
Stephen welcomes actor Hugh Grant and singer Sturgill Simpson.
📺
35
Olivia Colman, Gillian Anderson, Kylie Minogue
Stephen welcomes actress Olivia Colman, actress Gillian Anderson, singer Kylie Minogue.
📺
36
Michael Moore, Sara Bareilles, Steve Carell
Stephen welcomes filmmaker Michael Moore, singer Sara Bareilles and a special appearance by actor Steve Carell.
📺
37
Jake Tapper, BENEE
Stephen welcomes American Journalist Jake Tapper, and a musical performance by BENEE.
📺
38
Lewis Hamilton, Andrea Bocelli
Stephen welcomes Formula 1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton, and a musical performance by Andrea Bocelli.
📺
39
11/18/20 (Matthew McConaughey, Cedric the Entertainer)
Stephen welcomes actor Matthew McConaughey and actor Cedric the Entertainer.
📺
40
11/19/20 (LL Cool J, Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters)
Stephen welcomes actor LL Cool J, from the CBS drama NCIS: Los Angeles, musician Dave Grohl and a musical performance by Foo Fighters.
📺
41
Glenn Close, Kane Brown, Swae Lee, Khalid
Glenn Close, Kane Brown, Swae Lee, Khalid
📺
42
President Barack Obama, Brittany Howard
📺
43
Rob Corddry, John Lithgow, Chef José Andrés
Rob Corddry, John Lithgow, Chef José Andrés
📺
44
President Barack Obama, Vol. 2
President Barack Obama, Vol. 2
📺
45
Bryan Cranston, Cori Bush
Bryan Cranston, Cori Bush
📺
46
Kate Winslet, Michael Eric Dyson
Kate Winslet, Michael Eric Dyson
📺
47
Christopher Krebs, Aubrey Plaza
Christopher Krebs, Aubrey Plaza
📺
48
Common, Andrea Bocelli
Common, Andrea Bocelli
📺
49
Meryl Streep, Chris Stapleton
Meryl Streep, Chris Stapleton
📺
50
John Dickerson, Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, Greta Van Fleet
John Dickerson, Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, Greta Van Fleet
📺
51
Rachel Maddow, Megan Thee Stallion
Rachel Maddow, Megan Thee Stallion
📺
52
James Corden, Fleet Foxes
James Corden, Fleet Foxes
📺
53
New Zealand Special
New Zealand Special
📺
54
Chance The Rapper, Christopher Walken, Laura Benanti
Chance The Rapper, Christopher Walken, Laura Benanti
📺
55
Whoopi Goldberg, Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen
Whoopi Goldberg, Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen
📺
56
Tom Hanks, Leslie Odom Jr.
Tom Hanks, Leslie Odom Jr.
📺
57
Joseph R. Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, Jon Batiste
Joseph R. Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, Jon Batiste
📺
58
George Clooney
George Clooney
📺
59
Stacey Abrams, RuPaul Charles, Maren Morris
Stacey Abrams, RuPaul Charles, Maren Morris
📺
60
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Anya Taylor-Joy
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Anya Taylor-Joy
📺
61
Amy Klobuchar, Adam Kinzinger, Jamila Woods
Amy Klobuchar, Adam Kinzinger, Jamila Woods
📺
62
Rachel Brosnahan, Julien Baker
Rachel Brosnahan, Julien Baker
📺
63
George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, The Mountain Goats
George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, The Mountain Goats
📺
64
Chris Rock, Aubrey Plaza, Joss Stone
Chris Rock, Aubrey Plaza, Joss Stone
📺
65
James Comey, Lili Reinhart
James Comey, Lili Reinhart
📺
66
Samantha Bee, Paul Mescal
Samantha Bee, Paul Mescal
📺
67
Bernie Sanders, FINNEAS
Bernie Sanders, FINNEAS
📺
68
John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon & Alex Wagner, The War On Drugs
John Heilemann, Mark McKinnon & Alex Wagner, The War On Drugs
📺
69
Cory Booker, Laura Benanti, Infinity Song
Cory Booker, Laura Benanti, Infinity Song
📺
70
Jason Segel, Black Pumas
Jason Segel, Black Pumas
📺
71
Jon Lovett, Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor, Peter CottonTale, Chance the Rapper, Cynthia Erivo, Chicago Children's Choir, Kofi Lost
Jon Lovett, Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor, Peter CottonTale, Chance the Rapper, Cynthia Erivo, Chicago Children's Choir, Kofi Lost
📺
72
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Derek DelGaudio, Frank Oz
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Derek DelGaudio, Frank Oz
📺
73
Serena Williams, Dayglow
Stephen welcomes professional tennis player Serena Williams and a musical performance by Dayglow.
📺
74
Colin Firth, Stanley Tucci, Adrianne Lenker
Stephen welcomes actor Colin Firth, actor Stanley Tucci, and a musical performance by Adrianne Lenker.
📺
75
Billy Crystal, Jackie Speier
Stephen welcomes actor Billy Crystal and Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.).
📺
76
Viggo Mortensen, Charles Blow
Stephen welcomes actor Viggo Mortensen and journalist Charles Blow.
📺
77
Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Kamala Harris
Stephen welcomes President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
📺
78
Ethan Hawke, Mickey Guyton
Stephen welcomes actor Ethan Hawke and a musical performance by Mickey Guyton.
📺
79
Zendaya, James Martin
Stephen welcomes actress Zendaya and Father James Martin.
📺
80
Salma Hayek, Mark Harris
Stephen welcomes actress Salma Hayek and journalist Mark Harris.
📺
81
Tiffany Haddish, H.E.R.
Stephen welcomes actress Tiffany Haddish and a musical performance by H.E.R.
📺
82
Robert Downey Jr., Tiffany Haddish, Metallica
Stephen welcomes actor Robert Downey Jr., actress Tiffany Haddish, and a musical performance by Metallica.
📺
83
Queen Latifah, Steven Yeun
Stephen welcomes actress Queen Latifah and actor Steven Yeun.
📺
84
John Oliver, Ingrid Andress
Stephen welcomes TV host John Oliver and a musical performance by Ingrid Andress.
📺
85
Kristen Wiig, Rebecca Breeds
Stephen welcomes actress Kristen Wiig and actress Rebecca Breeds.
📺
86
Blake Shelton
Stephen welcomes a talk and musical performance by Blake Shelton.
📺
87
Bill Gates, Tune-Yards
Stephen welcomes co-founder of Microsoft Bill Gates and a musical performance by Tune-Yards.
📺
88
Billie Eilish, Anna Palmer, Jake Sherman
Stephen welcomes singer Billie Eilish, Punchbowl News Co-Founders Anna Palmer & Jake Sherman.
📺
89
Arsenio Hall, Tim Meadows, Celeste
Stephen welcomes actor Arsenio Hall, actor Tim Meadows and a musical performance by Celeste.
📺
90
Regina King, Jamaal Bowman, Vic Mensa, Wyclef Jean, Peter Cottontale
Stephen welcomes actress Regina King, a special appearance by Rep. Jamaal Bowman, and a musical performance by Vic Mensa featuring Wyclef Jean and Peter Cottontale.
📺
91
Andy Samberg, Clarissa Ward
Stephen welcomes actor Andy Samberg and journalist Clarissa Ward.
📺
92
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Jon Batiste
Stephen welcomes astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and a musical performance by Jon Batiste.
📺
93
Paul Bettany, Metallica
Stephen welcomes actor Paul Bettany and a musical performance by Metallica.
📺
94
Jane Fonda, The Hosts of “Virtue Signal”, Kings of Leon
Stephen welcomes actress Jane Fonda, the Hosts of “Virtue Signal”, and a musical performance by Kings of Leon.
📺
95
Nicolle Wallace, Michaela Coel, Kings of Leon
Stephen welcomes TV host Nicolle Wallace, actress Michaela Coel, and a musical performance by Kings of Leon.
📺
96
Riz Ahmed, Janelle Monáe
Stephen welcomes actor Riz Ahmed and a musical performance by Janelle Monáe.
📺
97
Emmanuel Acho, Gina Yashere
Stephen welcomes sports analyst Emmanuel Acho and comedian Gina Yashere.
📺
98
Aaron Paul, Billy Crystal, Lake Street Dive
Stephen welcomes actor Aaron Paul, actor Billy Crystal, and a musical performance by Lake Street Dive.
📺
99
Dr. Anthony Fauci
Stephen welcomes Dr. Anthony Fauci.
📺
100
Ringo Starr, Laura Benanti
Stephen welcomes musician Ringo Starr and a special appearance by actress Laura Benanti.
📺
101
Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Freeman
Stephen welcomes actress Lupita Nyong’o and actor Martin Freeman.
📺
102
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Eric Andre
Stephen welcomes businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson and comedian Eric Andre.
📺
103
Chuck Schumer, Jared Leto, LANCO
Stephen welcomes Senator Chuck Schumer, actor Jared Leto and a musical performance by LANCO.
📺
104
Robert Downey Jr., Walter Isaacson, Sebastian Yatra, Guaynaa
Stephen welcomes actor Robert Downey Jr., author Walter Isaacson, and a musical performance by Sebastian Yatra and Guaynaa.
📺
105
Dana Carvey, Imagine Dragons
Stephen welcomes actor Dana Carvey and a musical performance by Imagine Dragons.
📺
106
Sharon Stone, Ken Burns
Stephen welcomes actress Sharon Stone and filmmaker Ken Burns.
📺
107
John Cena, Tammy Duckworth
Stephen welcomes TV host John Cena and Senator Tammy Duckworth.
📺
108
Ronan Farrow, Brandi Carlile
Stephen welcomes journalist Ronan Farrow and singer Brandi Carlile.
📺
109
Leslie Odom Jr., Michio Kaku
Stephen welcomes actor Leslie Odom Jr. and physicist Michio Kaku.
📺
110
Hank Azaria, Cheap Trick
Stephen welcomes actor Hank Azaria and a musical performance by Cheap Trick.
📺
111
John Boehner, Shelley
📺
112
Daniel Kaluuya, Lucy Dacus, Taylor Swift
📺
113
Willie Geist, Maria Bakalova
📺
114
Amanda Seyfried, Ashley McBryde
115
Anthony Hopkins, Florian Zeller, Mazie Hirono
116
Cher, Bradley Whitford
Stephen welcomes singer Cher, and a musical performance by Sam Williams.
117
Ed Helms, Susan Page
Stephen welcomes actor Ed Helms and journalist Susan Page.
118
Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Bebe Rexha
Stephen welcomes TV host Joe Scarborough, journalist Mika Brzezinski, and a musical performance by Bebe Rexha.
119
Anthony Mackie, Terry Gross
Stephen welcomes actor Anthony Mackie and radio show host Terry Gross.
120
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Kyle MacLachlan
Stephen welcomes Senator Amy Klobuchar and actor Kyle MacLachlan.
121
Sen. Bernie Sanders, Julia Michaels
Stephen welcomes Senator Bernie Sanders and a musical performance by Julia Michaels.
122
Mila Kunis, Sara Kays
Stephen welcomes actress Mila Kunis and a musical performance by Sara Kays.
123
Jane Fonda, John Oliver, Ringo Starr, Teddy Swims
Stephen welcomes actress Jane Fonda, TV personality John Oliver, musician Ringo Starr, and a musical performance by Teddy Swims.
124
Jake Tapper, Billie Eilish
Stephen welcomes journalist Jake Tapper and musician Billie Eilish.
125
Michelle Obama
Stephen welcomes former first lady Michelle Obama.
126
Elizabeth Warren, David Boreanaz
Stephen welcomes Senator Elizabeth Warren and actor David Boreanaz.
127
Seth Rogen, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall
Stephen welcomes actor Seth Rogen and a musical performance by Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert & Jon Randall.
128
Billy Crystal, Tiffany Haddish, The Black Keys
Stephen welcomes actors Billy Crystal & Tiffany Haddish and a musical performance by The Black Keys.
129
Cindy McCain, MJ Rodriguez
Stephen welcomes businesswoman Cindy McCain and actress MJ Rodriguez.
130
Morgan Freeman, Tig Notaro
Stephen welcomes actor Morgan Freeman and comic Tig Notaro.
131
Lisa Kudrow, Tamika Mallory
Stephen welcomes actress Lisa Kudrow and activist Tamika Mallory.
📺
132
John Krasinski, Yo-Yo Ma
Stephen welcomes actor John Krasinski and a musical performance by Yo-Yo Ma.
133
Anthony Anderson, Dr. Francis Collins
Stephen welcomes actor Anthony Anderson and Dr. Francis Collins.
134
Gayle King, BTS
Stephen welcomes journalist Gayle King and a musical performance by BTS.
135
Will Arnett, Brockhampton
Stephen welcomes actor Will Arnett and a musical performance by Brockhampton.
136
Bradley Whitford, Carlos Watson
Stephen welcomes actor Bradley Whitford and journalist Carlos Watson.
137
Chris Matthews, Cynthia Erivo
Stephen welcomes journalist Chris Matthews and a musical performance by Cynthia Erivo.
138
Clive Owen, Ziwe
Stephen welcomes actor Clive Owen and comic Ziwe.
139
Samuel L. Jackson, Padma Lakshmi
Stephen welcomes actor Samuel L. Jackson and TV personality Padma Lakshmi.
140
Samantha Power, Maroon 5, Seth Rogen
Stephen welcomes USAID Administrator Samantha Power, a musical performance by Maroon 5, and special appearance by Seth Rogen.
141
Jon Stewart, Jon Batiste, Dana Carvey
Stephen welcomes comic Jon Stewart, a musical performance by Jon Batiste, and a special appearance by Dana Carvey.
142
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Rita Moreno
Stephen welcomes Dr. Sanjay Gupta and actress Rita Moreno.
143
Anderson Cooper, Sleater-Kinney
Stephen welcomes journalist Anderson Cooper and a musical performance by Sleater-Kinney.
144
Nathan Lane, Griff
Stephen welcomes actor Nathan Lane and a musical performance by Griff.
145
Andrew Garfield, Lorde
Stephen welcomes actor Andrew Garfield and singer Lorde.
146
Wanda Sykes, Craig Melvin
Stephen welcomes actress Wanda Sykes and journalist Craig Melvin.
147
Christine Baranski, Joy Oladokun
Stephen welcomes actress Christine Baranski and a musical performance by Joy Oladokun.
148
Robert Duvall
Stephen welcomes actor Robert Duvall.
149
Pete Buttigieg, Katja Herbers
Stephen welcomes secretary Pete Buttigieg and actress Katja Herbers.
150
Vin Diesel, Helen Mirren, Ludacris, John Cena, Tyrese Gibson, Justin Lin, Jordana Brewster, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd
Stephen welcomes the cast of F9: Vin Diesel, Helen Mirren, Ludacris, John Cena, Tyrese Gibson, Justin Lin, Jordana Brewster; actors Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd and a comedic performance by Ali Sultan.
151
Harvey Keitel, Randall Otis
Stephen welcomes actor Harvey Keitel and comic Randall Otis.
152
Jim Gaffigan, JP Saxe with John Mayer
Stephen welcomes comic Jim Gaffigan and a musical performance by JP Saxe & John Mayer.
153
Keegan-Michael Key, Tones and I
Stephen welcomes actor Keegan-Michael Key and a musical performance by Tones And I.
154
Richard Branson, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton
Stephen welcomes sir Richard Branson and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton.
155
Mindy Kaling, Wally Baram
Stephen welcomes actress Mindy Kaling and writer Wally Baram.
156
Hugh Jackman, Lorde
Stephen welcomes actor Hugh Jackman and a musical performance by Lorde.
157
Joy Reid, Alessia Cara
Stephen welcomes TV host Joy Reid and a musical performance by Alessia Cara.
158
Jason Sudeikis, Yola
Stephen welcomes actor Jason Sudeikis and a musical performance by Yola.
159
Emily Blunt, Bob Costas
Stephen welcomes actress Emily Blunt and sportscaster Bob Costas.
160
Hannah Einbinder, Alex Falcone
Stephen welcomes actress Hannah Einbinder and comic Alex Falcone.
161
Stephen King, Winston Duke
Stephen welcomes author Stephen King and actor Winston Duke.
162
Brian Stelter, Big Red Machine
Stephen welcomes news correspondent Brian Stelter and a musical performance by Big Red Machine.
163
Planes, Trains & Bipartisan Deals!
Stephen welcomes actor Alan Alda and comic Gabriel Iglesias.
164
Jennifer Hudson
Stephen welcomes an interview with and musical performance by Jennifer Hudson.
165
Dr. Jonathan Lapook, Fumi Abe
Stephen welcomes Dr. Jonathan Lapook and comic Fumi Abe.
📺
166
Amanda Peet, Roger Bennett
Stephen welcomes actress Amanda Peet and journalist Roger Bennett.
📺
167
Daniel Radcliffe, Dan + Shay
Stephen welcomes actor Daniel Radcliffe and a musical performance by Dan + Shay.
📺
168
Sean & Dylan Penn, Crowded House
Stephen welcomes actors Sean & Dylan Penn and a musical performance by Crowded House.