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The Best Episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Every episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert!

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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 28 - Oprah Winfrey, Joseph Fink, Jeffrey Cranor, Judith Hill
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #1 - Oprah Winfrey, Joseph Fink, Jeffrey Cranor, Judith Hill

    S1:E28

    Oprah Winfrey discusses spirituality with Stephen and ‘OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network)’. Stephen’s pre-show rituals. Judith Hill performs "Cry, Cry, Cry" from her album ’Back in Time’. Joseph Fink & Jeffrey Cranor discuss ’Welcome to Night Vale’.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 29 - Jimmy Kimmel, Guillermo del Toro, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, Beach House
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #2 - Jimmy Kimmel, Guillermo del Toro, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, Beach House

    S1:E29

    Jimmy Kimmel discusses ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and his agent, same as Stephen’s, before having a cook-off. Guillermo Del Toro, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston and Mia Wasikowska discuss ’Crimson Peak’. Beach House performs "One Thing" from their album ’Thank Your Lucky Stars’.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 30 - Sienna Miller, Melissa Benoist, Chance the Rapper
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #3 - Sienna Miller, Melissa Benoist, Chance the Rapper

    S1:E30

    The Hungry for Power Games (Jim Webb and Lincoln Chafee), with a cameo appearance by Stanley Tucci. Miller discusses ‘Burnt’. Benoist discusses ‘Supergirl’. Chance the Rapper performs "Angels" from his mixtape ’Coloring Book’.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 46 - Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Public Image Ltd
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #4 - Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Public Image Ltd

    S1:E46

    CeeLo Green sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Julianne Moore discusses ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2’ and her new book, ‘Freckleface Strawberry’. Burt Reynolds discusses his acting career and his new book, ‘But Enough About Me’. Public Image Ltd performs "Double Trouble" from their album ‘What the World Needs Now…’.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 47 - Sharon Stone, Justin Theroux, James Taylor
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #5 - Sharon Stone, Justin Theroux, James Taylor

    S1:E47

    The Hungry for Power Games (Bobby Jindal). Sharon Stone discusses ‘Agent X’. Justin Theroux discusses ‘The Leftovers’ and has an eyebrow acting contest with Stephen. James Taylor performs "Montana" from his album ‘Before This World’, an updated version of "Fire and Rain" with Stephen and a folk rendition of "La Marseillaise".

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 48 - Jane Fonda, Andrew Lloyd Webber
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #6 - Jane Fonda, Andrew Lloyd Webber

    S1:E48

    12-year-old Brandon Niederauer sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Jane Fonda discusses ‘Youth, Grace and Frankie’ and her career. Andrew Lloyd Webber discusses the musical and performs excerpts from his works with Stephen and Jon Batiste.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

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  7. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 59 - Quentin Tarantino, Jonathan Groff, Squeeze
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #7 - Quentin Tarantino, Jonathan Groff, Squeeze

    S1:E59

    Stephen auditions as Han Solo (appearances by Harrison Ford and J. J. Abrams). Quentin Tarantino discusses ‘The Hateful Eight’ and his career. The Big Furry Hat. Jonathan Groff discusses ‘Hamilton’ and teaches Stephen his King George III walk. Squeeze performs "Happy Days" from their album ‘Cradle to the Grave’, with Jon Batiste & Stay Human providing musical accompaniment.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 60 - Robert De Niro, Daniel Gilbert, Henry Rollins
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #8 - Robert De Niro, Daniel Gilbert, Henry Rollins

    S1:E60

    Hashtag: #SpoilerSpoilers. Robert De Niro discusses ‘Joy’ and his career. De Niro also enjoys a cold martini (and silence) with Stephen. Daniel Gilbert discusses his new book, ‘Stumbling on Happiness’. Henry Rollins discusses ‘He Never Died’ and performs A Very Rollins Christmas with Stephen.

    Director:Unknown
    Writers:Stephen Colbert, Michael Brumm, Nate Charny

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  9. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 61 - Michael Moore, Samantha Power, Michael C. Hall, Lazarus
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #9 - Michael Moore, Samantha Power, Michael C. Hall, Lazarus

    S1:E61

    Crunchy the Squirrel presents Oatie-O’s. Michael Moore discusses ‘Where to Invade Next’ and takes a more positive look at the world. Samantha Power discusses her position as Ambassador to the United Nations. Michael C. Hall discusses ‘Lazarus’. The Late Show Holiday Gift Guide. Hall and the cast of Lazarus perform the title track of the play.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 62 - Mandy Patinkin, Kayvon Beykpour, Leon Bridges
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #10 - Mandy Patinkin, Kayvon Beykpour, Leon Bridges

    S1:E62

    The Late Show celebrates Christmas. Mandy Patinkin discusses ‘Homeland’ and has some thoughts on the world, fear and humanity. Christmas Party Apologies. Kayvon Beykpour discusses ‘Periscope’. Leon Bridges performs Sam Cooke’s "Jesus Gave Me Water".

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 3 Episode 5 - Second Anniversary Special
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #11 - Second Anniversary Special

    S3:E5

    Backstage at the 69th Emmy Awards, Stephen presents a selection of his favorite moments from the last two years.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 3 Episode 6 - Hillary Clinton, Emma Stone
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #12 - Hillary Clinton, Emma Stone

    S3:E6

    Hillary Clinton discusses recent politics and her new book, ‘What Happened’. Emma Stone discusses ‘Battle of the Sexes’. Late Show Soft Porn.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 3 Episode 8 - Jim Parsons, Pamela Adlon, The Killers
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #13 - Jim Parsons, Pamela Adlon, The Killers

    S3:E8

    Now That's What I Call Collusion! Jim Parsons discusses ‘Young Sheldon’. Pamela Adlon discusses ‘Better Things’. The Killers perform "The Man" from their album ‘Wonderful Wonderful’.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 3 Episode 31 - Mark Ruffalo, Chris Matthews, Gilbert Gottfried, Thundercat
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #14 - Mark Ruffalo, Chris Matthews, Gilbert Gottfried, Thundercat

    S3:E31

    Stephen acknowledges the terrorist attack in Lower Manhattan. Thundercat sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Mark Ruffalo discusses ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. Chris Matthews discusses recent politics and his new book, ‘Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit’. Gilbert Gottfried discusses ‘Gilbert’.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 3 Episode 32 - Nicole Kidman, Jonathan Groff, Walter Isaacson
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #15 - Nicole Kidman, Jonathan Groff, Walter Isaacson

    S3:E32

    Rugs: A Public Service Announcement. Big Questions with Even Bigger Stars (with Nicole Kidman). Nicole Kidman discusses ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’. Jonathan Groff discusses ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Mindhunter’. Jonathan Groff and Stephen present ‘Mindhunter: The Musical’. Whitaker Media Rights Holding Company LLC World.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 3 Episode 42 - Jordan Peele, Alia Shawkat, Paul Mecurio
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #16 - Jordan Peele, Alia Shawkat, Paul Mecurio

    S3:E42

    Stephen takes issue with the latest "Sexiest Man Alive" issue. Stephen Colbert's Bench Warmers. Jordan Peele discusses ‘Get Out’. Alia Shawkat discusses ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Search Party’. Paul Mecurio gives a stand-up performance.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 3 Episode 43 - Ben Affleck, Greta Gerwig, Dead & Company
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #17 - Ben Affleck, Greta Gerwig, Dead & Company

    S3:E43

    Ben Affleck discusses ‘Justice League’, the upcoming 20th anniversary of ‘Good Will Hunting’ and recent sexual harassment accusations in Hollywood. Greta Gerwig discusses ‘Lady Bird’. Dead & Company perform "Jack Straw".

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 3 Episode 57 - Tom Hanks/Katy Tur/Mac DeMarco
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #18 - Tom Hanks/Katy Tur/Mac DeMarco

    S3:E57

    Actor Tom Hanks ("The Post"); journalist Katy Tur; Mac DeMarco sits in with Jon Batiste and Stay Human.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 4 Episode 3 - Emma Thompson, Troye Sivan
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #19 - Emma Thompson, Troye Sivan

    S4:E3

    Stephen welcomes actress Emma Thompson and talks with musical guest Troye Sivan.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 4 Episode 4 - Sharon Osbourne, Kathleen Madigan, Jay Rock
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #20 - Sharon Osbourne, Kathleen Madigan, Jay Rock

    S4:E4

    Stephen welcomes TV host Sharon Osbourne, comic Kathleen Madigan, with musical guest Jay Rock.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 4 Episode 5 - Bob Woodward, The Knocks, Foster the People
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #21 - Bob Woodward, The Knocks, Foster the People

    S4:E5

    Stephen welcomes journalist Bob Woodward with musical guests The Knocks and Foster the People.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 4 Episode 9 - Anna Kendrick, Anne-Marie
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #22 - Anna Kendrick, Anne-Marie

    S4:E9

    Stephen welcomes actress Anna Kendrick, with musical guest Anne-Marie.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 4 Episode 23 - Ellie Kemper, Sam Elliott
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #23 - Ellie Kemper, Sam Elliott

    S4:E23

    Stephen welcomes actress Ellie Kemper and actor Sam Elliott.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 4 Episode 24 - Melissa McCarthy, Phoebe Robinson
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #24 - Melissa McCarthy, Phoebe Robinson

    S4:E24

    Stephen welcomes actress Melissa McCarthy and actress Phoebe Robinson.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 4 Episode 29 - Sarah Silverman, Scott Bakula, Transviolet
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #25 - Sarah Silverman, Scott Bakula, Transviolet

    S4:E29

    Stephen welcomes comic Sarah Silverman, actor Scott Bakula, with musical guest Transviolet.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Oprah Winfrey, Joseph Fink, Jeffrey Cranor, Judith Hill" is the best rated episode of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert". It scored 10/10 based on 1 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 10/15/2015. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Jimmy Kimmel, Guillermo del Toro, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, Beach House".