Stephen Colbert is getting closer and closer to the end of The Late Show. But the comedian didn't have to wait long before getting a new gig. He'll soon be back on television, hosting another late-night show, albeit in much different circumstances.
Last month, it was announced that Colbert would have a guest role on the CBS police procedural dramedy Elsbeth. Details revealed he'd play a fictional late-night TV host named Scotty Bristol in a season 3 episode. Now we know more about the plot as well as which longtime Colbert collaborator and fellow late-night TV star is joining the Late Show host on Elsbeth.
According to CBS, Colbert will appear in the Elsbeth season 3 premiere, "Yes And..."
The synopsis reveals "Elsbeth dives into the world of late-night comedy when backstage tensions rise between a talk show host (Stephen Colbert), his head writer Laurel (Amy Sedaris) and her on-air sidekick husband, Mickey (Andy Richter). "
The episode will be an on-air reunion for Colbert and Sedaris. The two co-created the cult classic series Strangers With Candy along with Paul Dinello and Mitch Rouse. Colbert and Sedaris have incredible chemistry together, so even playing a pair of combating co-workers should be entertaining to watch.
Richter's role is a welcome addition, and like Colbert, he'll be playing a role he's very familiar with. Richter spent decades as Conan O'Brien's on-air sidekick. While he wasn't married to any writers, he's likely plenty used to see a host and writer get heated.
Given the way things usually play out on Elsbeth, there's a good chance Colbert, Sedaris, or Richter end up dead. If it were up to Colbert, he'd be the one who gets taken out.
He interviewed Elsbeth star Wendell Pierce in February and asked if he could play a corpse in an upcoming episode. It appears Colbert may get his wish with the season 3 guest spot.
This won't be the first time Elsbeth has turned to late-night TV for help. Saturday Night Live alumni Rob Riggle and Vanessa Bayer appeared in season 2. It could also give us an idea of what Colbert wants to do after The Late Show ends in May 2026. Perhaps more scripted roles could be in Colbert's future, although probably not with CBS.
See Stephen Colbert on Elsbeth when season 3 premieres on Oct. 12. Until then, catch him at his day job as host of The Late Show. He returns on Tuesday, Sept. 2, after a summer hiatus.