The Late Show with Stephen Colbert announces return of studio audience

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is taking a major step towards normalcy this summer. CBS announced its late night TV show will feature a full studio audience next month.

Like the rest of the world, Stephen Colbert was forced to adjust to the pandemic and the new set of health and safety standards in brought. The Late Show evolved from broadcasting to an empty studio in March 2020 to setting up at Colbert’s home and most recently, airing from a makeshift studio in the CBS building.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will return to the Ed Sullivan Theater on June 14. It will feature a full, vaccinated audience in accordance with New York state’s policies based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. Guests will be required to show proof of vaccination but wearing masks will be voluntary.

The Late Show boasts the largest in-studio audience in all of late night television. Colbert has produced over 200 episodes since last being in front of a live audience, so June 14 should be a marquee event.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert shows things are headed in the right direction

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won’t be the first to bring back a studio audience. But as the genre’s highest-rated show, it will be a special moment and, combined with other shows, a sign that things are headed back to normal.

For its season 46 finale, Saturday Night Live had its first full audience of the season. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon welcomed a limited audience back to its 30 Rock studio. Jimmy Kimmel Live! continues to seat staff members in its audience while Conan still populates his audience with cardboard cutouts. Hopefully, these two Los Angeles-based shows can get back to a studio audience soon.

Fans can be sure that The Late Show will have something special planned for June 14. Expect a big name guest or two to be booked to help celebrate the milestone. Stephen Colbert may be the most excited of all.

Are you looking forward to seeing a full studio audience at The Late Show? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.