As Stephen Colbert prepares to host his final episode of The Late Show in May 2026, fans are looking back at the comedian’s long career. This list goes beyond his famous talk shows to include the early projects and voice roles that helped shape his unique style of comedy.
Start with The Colbert Report
For many, this is the project that defines Stephen Colbert. The Colbert Report, which aired from 2005 to 2014, featured Colbert playing a fictional, self-important conservative TV commentator. The character was a sharp parody of political talk shows. The series started as a spin-off from The Daily Show and won two Peabody Awards for its clever satire. It turned Colbert into a household name and proved he could carry his own show.
Don’t Skip His Daily Show Years
Before his own show, Colbert was a key correspondent on The Daily Show from 1997 to 2005. Working under host Jon Stewart, he created memorable segments like “This Week in God” and “Even Stepheven” with Steve Carell. This period was his training ground for political satire. His work here helped The Daily Show win multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards. He has returned for guest appearances over the years, keeping his connection to the show strong.
Discover the Cult Classic Strangers with Candy
For a look at Colbert’s early, weird comedy, find Strangers with Candy. This show aired on Comedy Central from 1999 to 2000 and was co-created by Colbert with comedians Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello. Colbert also starred as Chuck Noblet, a socially awkward teacher. The series is a spoof of after-school specials and gained a dedicated cult following. It showcases his skill in sketch-style, character-driven humor long before he focused on political satire.
Find His Voice in Monsters vs. Aliens
Colbert has also done voice work for animated films. In the 2009 DreamWorks movie Monsters vs. Aliens, he voiced the character of the President of the United States. While not a major role, it highlights his ability to adapt his comedic timing for family entertainment. This project is a fun example of his work outside of the talk show and satire format.
Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
This late-night talk show is Colbert’s most recent and visible work. He took over as host on September 8, 2015, following David Letterman. The show blends celebrity interviews, political monologues, and musical performances from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater.
In September 2025, after winning an Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series, Colbert said, “I know it’s coming to the end in May. But I’m going to savor every day. I want to land this plane absolutely beautifully and I’ve got nothing else on my mind.”
The show’s final episode is set for May 2026. CBS stated the cancellation was a financial decision related to a declining advertising market for late-night TV.
See Where It All Began: Exit 57 and Early Work
To truly understand Colbert’s roots, seek out his early collaborations. After studying at Northwestern University and performing with Chicago’s Second City comedy troupe, he teamed up with Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello. Their first major TV project was the sketch comedy series Exit 57, which aired on Comedy Central for two seasons starting in 1995. Before that, he wrote for The Dana Carvey Show and Saturday Night Live, and was the voice of Ace in the “Ambiguously Gay Duo” cartoons. These early jobs built the foundation for everything that followed.
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