Get ready for a bittersweet moment on The Late Show schedule [Dec. 15–19]

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert during Monday’s July 21, 2025 show. Photo: Scott Kowalchyk ©2025 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert during Monday’s July 21, 2025 show. Photo: Scott Kowalchyk ©2025 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Another week is here, and we’re getting ready for some of our favorite TV shows to wrap up for the holiday season. That includes The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which is likely to head on its winter break, returning with episodes in January.

To mark the end of the season, we will get the traditional Late Show holiday cartoon at the end of the week. It’s a bittersweet moment, though, as it marks the last holiday cartoon we’ll see from The Late Show, as CBS isn’t backing off the idea of cancelling the series.

So, what can we expect throughout the week for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert? Let’s break down the four planned episodes, with Friday likely being a rerun as we’ve become used to.

Jack Black, Paul Rudd
World Premiere Of Columbia Pictures' "Anaconda" | JC Olivera/GettyImages

Monday, December 15

We start with Paul Rudd on the talk show, talking all about his action-comedy Anaconda. Yes, this is a reboot of the 1990s movie of the same name, but it’s described as a meta-reboot. That means there are sure to be references to the original movie throughout this latest one, and Rudd will be able to discuss that.

Lesley Manville will also appear to talk all about her Broadway role in Oedipus. Manville has starred and guest-starred in numerous shows over the years. We’re hoping for comments about The Crown and Citadel, as well as a discussion about her Broadway performance.

Andy Cohen
Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen - Season 22 | Bravo/GettyImages

Tuesday, December 16

The second night of the week focuses on Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen, who are getting ready for New Year’s Eve Live! on CNN. They will talk all about what it takes to get ready for such a monumental event.

The Mountain Goats will also appear to give a performance. They’re an indie folk band, so if you haven’t heard of them yet, you have time to search Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you stream your music. After that, Laura Benanti will take to the stage for a special performance.

Aaron Moten, Kumail Nanjiani
"Fallout" Season Two Premiere - Arrivals | Gilbert Flores/GettyImages

Wednesday, December 17

Then, it’s all about Hump Day, with Kumail Nanjiani chatting with Colbert about Ella McCay, where he plays security. He’ll also be able to tease his upcoming appearance on Fallout, which will be available to stream on Prime Video by the time the episode airs, and he’ll want to discuss his standup comedy tour.

After that, St. Vincent will take to the stage to talk about her upcoming schedule. She will also give a performance to end the night.

Kate Hudson, Hugh Jackman
"Song Sung Blue" New York Premiere | Taylor Hill/GettyImages

Thursday, December 18

There is a bittersweetness to the end of the week, but first we have to look forward to Hugh Jackman talking all things Neil Diamond, the tribute artist he plays in Song Sung Blue, and much more. Then Louis Cato and The Late Show Band will perform.

Of course, we have to end with Colbert’s Canceled Christmas: The Last Noel, making it very clear that this is the last cartoon story we’ll get. Nick Offerman will narrate the cartoon, and we’re not sure if we’re ready.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35/10:35c on CBS.

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