Stephen Colbert is closing out his run on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert with a booking that’s bound to make headlines. And as an added bonus for the comedian, it's likely to ruffle some feathers at the White House.
On Thursday night’s (April 23) broadcast, Colbert paused his monologue to tease what he called a “quick but exciting announcement,” revealing that he’ll soon sit down with former president Barack Obama for a special interview tied to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center.
“Folks, before we get started, I have a quick but exciting announcement,” Colbert said from behind his desk. “Tuesday, May 5, here on The Late Show in his first interview from the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, I will be sitting down with former President Barack Obama.”
The interview will be filmed on-site in Chicago ahead of the center’s grand opening on June 19, giving Colbert a high-profile sendoff moment just weeks before The Late Show wraps up its run on May 21.
It's a major get for any late-night TV show considering President Obama's popularity and stature. At the same time, with Colbert’s show nearing its finale, it felt like a real possibility whether Obama might factor into the final stretch. The comedian already interviewed his favorite guest of all-time earlier this week, and then welcomed Jon Stewart to the Late Show for likely the last time. President Obama certainly deserved to be in the mix for Colbert's final group of guests. The two have a long history on late-night television, dating back to Colbert’s Colbert Report days and continuing throughout Obama’s presidency and post-White House years.
Their previous interviews have ranged from policy discussions touching on healthcare, climate change, and the pandemic. In one memorable bit, Colbert helped President Obama refresh his resume ahead of leaving the White House. This upcoming interview is the perfect opportunity for the ex-president to return the favor and prepare Colbert for whatever is next his career.
That dynamic has made Obama one of Colbert’s most compelling interview subjects. Bringing him in for what is being billed as the first interview from the presidential center adds an extra layer of significance. It also has a good chance of getting under President Donald Trump's skin
Trump has long shown he keeps an eye on late-night television coverage, frequently responding to hosts and segments that mention him. He’s also maintained a persistent rivalry with Barack Obama, often reacting to moments when his predecessor is in the public eye.
An interview showcasing Obama at his new presidential center, combined with the built-in buzz of Colbert’s final weeks, is almost guaranteed to draw widespread attention. And given Trump’s tendency to monitor both late-night commentary and Obama-related headlines, the segment could land squarely on his radar. It also wouldn't be a shock to hear Colbert and Obama drop a few digs at Trump, whether subtle or direct.
Whether it sparks a response remains to be seen. But as Colbert lines up one of his biggest guests for the home stretch, it’s clear he’s aiming to go out with a bang.
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