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The Best Episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1

Every episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1!

Binge this in 18h 45m•Peaking at 7.5/10

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
    The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 1 - George Clooney, Jeb Bush, Jon Batiste & Stay Human
    7.1/10(149 votes)

    #1 - George Clooney, Jeb Bush, Jon Batiste & Stay Human

    S1:E1

    The show opens with Stephen singing "The Star-Spangled Banner", ending with a cameo by Jon Stewart as an umpire yelling "Play ball!". Later he allows himself to eat one Oreo cookie and share one Donald Trump news story, before spiraling out of control and eating several cookies and showing several Trump stories. George Clooney discusses his career and his "new movie", ‘Decision Strike’. Governor Jeb Bush discusses his presidential campaign. The musical segment of the show features a cast of celebrities joining the band singing "Everyday People".

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 2 - Scarlett Johansson, Elon Musk, Kendrick Lamar
    6.9/10(96 votes)

    #2 - Scarlett Johansson, Elon Musk, Kendrick Lamar

    S1:E2

    Stephen explains the technical difficulties he experienced during the making of his first show. The Big Furry Hat. Big Questions with Even Bigger Stars (with Scarlett Johansson). Elon Musk discusses SpaceX and his other projects. Kendrick Lamar performed a medley of songs from his album 'To Pimp a Butterfly’.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 3 - Vice President Joe Biden, Travis Kalanick, Toby Keith
    7.5/10(118 votes)

    #3 - Vice President Joe Biden, Travis Kalanick, Toby Keith

    S1:E3

    Joe Biden and Stephen discuss how the tragic losses of family members affected their lives. Travis Kalanick discusses 'Uber. Toby Keith performed "Rum is the Reason" off his album '35 MPH Town’.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 4 - Amy Schumer, Stephen King, Troubled Waters (Paul Simon)
    6.7/10(77 votes)

    #4 - Amy Schumer, Stephen King, Troubled Waters (Paul Simon)

    S1:E4

    Stephen endorses Yesterday's Coffee. Amy Schumer discusses her new standup special, ‘Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo’. Stephen Colbert's Unseen Mysteries of the Hidden Secrets. Stephen King discusses his new collection of short stories, ‘The Bazaar of Bad Dreams’. Troubled Waters performs "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" with Stephen, as well as "American Tune" during the episode's outro.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 5 - Emily Blunt, Justice Stephen Breyer, The Dead Weather
    6.8/10(75 votes)

    #5 - Emily Blunt, Justice Stephen Breyer, The Dead Weather

    S1:E5

    Stephen faces off against Novak Djokovic. Stephen Colbert Gets All Up in Your Faith. Emily Blunt discusses 'Sicario’, in addition to having a vomit-off with Stephen. Justice Stephen Breyer discusses recent politics and his new book, 'The Court and the World’. The Dead Weather performs "I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)" from their album 'Dodge and Burn’.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 6 - Tim Cook, Jake Gyllenhaal, Run The Jewels with TV On The Radio
    6.8/10(70 votes)

    #6 - Tim Cook, Jake Gyllenhaal, Run The Jewels with TV On The Radio

    S1:E6

    The Hungry for Power Games (Rick Perry). Jake Gyllenhaal discusses 'Everest’. Tim Cook discusses the iPhone 6S. Run the Jewels & TV on the Radio perform "Angel Duster" from the album 'Run the Jewels 2’.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

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  7. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 7 - Kevin Spacey, Carol Burnett, Abbi Jacobson, Ilana Glazer, Willie Nelson
    7.1/10(73 votes)

    #7 - Kevin Spacey, Carol Burnett, Abbi Jacobson, Ilana Glazer, Willie Nelson

    S1:E7

    Carol Burnett discusses 'The Carol Burnett Show’. Kevin Spacey discusses 'House of Cards’. Planet of the Apps. Willie Nelson & John Mellencamp discuss Willie's Reserve and Farm Aid, and perform "Night Life".

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 8 - Trevor Noah, U.N. Ban Ki-Moon, Chris Stapleton
    6.8/10(66 votes)

    #8 - Trevor Noah, U.N. Ban Ki-Moon, Chris Stapleton

    S1:E8

    Trevor Noah discusses 'The Daily Show’ and the Republican Party presidential debate. Stephen launches his own lifestyle brand, Covetton House. Ban Ki-moon discusses recent politics. Chris Stapleton performs "Nobody to Blame" from his album 'Traveller’

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 9 - Lupita Nyong'o, Senator Bernie Sanders, Christopher Wheeldon, Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope
    7.1/10(74 votes)

    #9 - Lupita Nyong'o, Senator Bernie Sanders, Christopher Wheeldon, Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope

    S1:E9

    Lupita Nyong'o discusses 'Eclipsed’ and ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’. Bernie Sanders discusses his presidential campaign. Christopher Wheeldon discusses ‘An American in Paris’, as Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope perform a selection from the play.

    Director:Unknown
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  10. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 10 - Stephen Curry, Senator Ted Cruz, Don Henley
    6.7/10(63 votes)

    #10 - Stephen Curry, Senator Ted Cruz, Don Henley

    S1:E10

    Stephen Curry discusses 'NBA 2K16’. Stephen vs. Stephen (Stephen and Stephen Curry). Ted Cruz discusses his presidential campaign. Don Henley performs "Too Much Pride" from his album 'Cass County’.

    Director:Unknown
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  11. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 11 - Donald Trump, Dr. Ernest Moniz, Raury
    7.3/10(71 votes)

    #11 - Donald Trump, Dr. Ernest Moniz, Raury

    S1:E11

    The Hungry for Power Games (Scott Walker). Donald Trump discusses his presidential campaign. Trump or Colbert? Ernest Moniz discusses the Iran nuclear deal. Raury performs "Devil's Whisper" from his album ‘All We Need’.

    Director:Unknown
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  12. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 12 - Hugh Jackman, Hugh Evans, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Pearl Jam
    6.5/10(61 votes)

    #12 - Hugh Jackman, Hugh Evans, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Pearl Jam

    S1:E12

    Jon Batiste presents his "new book": ‘Underneath the Chuckles: Life, Laughs, Loss, Love and Learning’. Jackman and Evans discuss 'the Global Poverty Project. Senator Elizabeth Warren discusses the problems with the government. Pearl Jam discusses the Global Citizen Festival and performs "Mind Your Manners", plus a cover of "Rockin' in the Free World" joined by Stephen on vocals.

    Director:Unknown
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  13. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 13 - Andrew Sullivan, Maria Shriver, Jim Gaffigan, Archbishop Thomas Wenski, YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus, the Choir of St. Jean Baptiste
    6.1/10(56 votes)

    #13 - Andrew Sullivan, Maria Shriver, Jim Gaffigan, Archbishop Thomas Wenski, YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus, the Choir of St. Jean Baptiste

    S1:E13

    The Dope on the Pope. Jim Gaffigan, Maria Shriver, Andrew Sullivan and Archbishop Thomas Wenski discuss Pope Francis's visit to America and Catholicism. YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus and the Choir of St. Jean Baptiste perform a rendition of the Hoyt Axton/Three Dog Night song "Joy to the World".

    Director:Unknown
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  14. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 14 - Malala Yousafzai, Kerry Washington, The Arcs
    6.6/10(54 votes)

    #14 - Malala Yousafzai, Kerry Washington, The Arcs

    S1:E14

    Stephen Colbert's All-Inclusive Wedding Cake Toppers. Malala Yousafzai discusses the right to education for women and her new documentary, ‘He Named Me Malala’; she also performs a magic trick for Stephen. Kerry Washington discusses 'Scandal and the Global Citizen Festival. The Arcs performed "Outta My Mind" from their album 'Yours, Dreamily,’.

    Director:Unknown
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  15. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 15 - First Lady Michelle Obama, John Legend
    6.1/10(54 votes)

    #15 - First Lady Michelle Obama, John Legend

    S1:E15

    First Lady Michelle Obama discusses the "Let Girls Learn" initiative, her life and recent politics. Stephen Colbert's Who Am Me? (Stephen takes the MBTI). John Legend discusses the "FreeAmerica" initiative and performs a duet of "America the Beautiful" with Stephen.

    Director:Unknown
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  16. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 16 - Ellen Page, Jesse Eisenberg, Dominic Wilcox
    6.3/10(50 votes)

    #16 - Ellen Page, Jesse Eisenberg, Dominic Wilcox

    S1:E16

    Elliot Page discusses ‘Freeheld’ and LGBT progress. Jesse Eisenberg discusses his new collection of short stories, ‘Bream Gives Me Hiccups: And Other Stories’. Stephen Colbert Gets All Up in Your Faith. Stephen demonstrates Dominic Wilcox's inventions.

    Director:Unknown
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  17. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 17 - John Oliver, Evan Spiegel, Bill Withers, Ed Sheeran
    6.4/10(54 votes)

    #17 - John Oliver, Evan Spiegel, Bill Withers, Ed Sheeran

    S1:E17

    Big Questions with Even Bigger Stars (with Tom Hanks). John Oliver discusses ‘Last Week Tonight’. Evan Spiegel discusses Snapchat. Bill Withers and Ed Sheeran discuss Withers' induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as Sheeran performs "Ain't No Sunshine".

    Director:Unknown
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  18. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 18 - John Kerry, Claire Danes, PewDiePie
    6.1/10(48 votes)

    #18 - John Kerry, Claire Danes, PewDiePie

    S1:E18

    John Kerry discusses the Iran nuclear deal. Claire Danes discusses ‘Homeland’. PewDiePie discusses his YouTube channel and his new book, ‘This Book Loves You’.

    Director:Unknown
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  19. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 19 - Morgan Freeman, Ruth Wilson, Sean Murray
    6.5/10(55 votes)

    #19 - Morgan Freeman, Ruth Wilson, Sean Murray

    S1:E19

    Stephen Colbert's Cyborgasm. Morgan Freeman discusses ‘Madam Secretary’. Ruth Wilson discusses ‘The Affair’. Sean Murray demonstrates ‘No Man's Sky’.

    Director:Unknown
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  20. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 20 - Senator John McCain, Yo-Yo Ma, Misty Copeland
    6.2/10(48 votes)

    #20 - Senator John McCain, Yo-Yo Ma, Misty Copeland

    S1:E20

    Yo-Yo Ma sits in with the band and provides musical accompaniment. Whole Foods Apologies. Senator John McCain discusses recent politics. Stephen Colbert's Who Am Me? (Stephen takes a polygraph test). Misty Copeland discusses her new documentary, ‘A Ballerina's Tale’. Copeland also performs the courante from Johann Sebastian Bach's "Cello Suite No. 2" with Ma. The Late Show celebrates Ma's 60th birthday.

    Director:Unknown
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  21. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 21 - Bill Clinton, Billy Eichner, Florence & the Machine
    6.2/10(53 votes)

    #21 - Bill Clinton, Billy Eichner, Florence & the Machine

    S1:E21

    Stephen Colbert's Pander Express. Bill Clinton discusses the Clinton Foundation, its projects, and the 2016 election. Billy Eichner discusses ‘Billy on the Street’. Florence and the Machine performs "What Kind of Man" from their album 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’.

    Director:Unknown
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  22. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 22 - Gina Rodriguez, Ben Bernanke, Tame Impala
    5.3/10(40 votes)

    #22 - Gina Rodriguez, Ben Bernanke, Tame Impala

    S1:E22

    The Big Furry Hat. Gina Rodriguez discusses ‘Jane the Virgin’. Stephen Colbert's Esophagorge. Ben Bernanke discusses the 2008 financial crisis and his new book, ‘The Courage to Act’. Tame Impala performs "The Less I Know the Better" from their album 'Currents’.

    Director:Unknown
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  23. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 23 - Cate Blanchett, Brian Chesky, Dartmouth Football Dummy
    6.2/10(44 votes)

    #23 - Cate Blanchett, Brian Chesky, Dartmouth Football Dummy

    S1:E23

    Stephen Colbert's Digital Doo. Cate Blanchett discusses ‘Truth’. Brian Chesky discusses Airbnb. Buddy Teevens and Elliot Kastner of the Dartmouth Big Green demonstrate their Tackle Dummy.

    Director:Unknown
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  24. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 24 - James Corden, Shane Smith, Halsey
    6.0/10(47 votes)

    #24 - James Corden, Shane Smith, Halsey

    S1:E24

    Life Hacked. James Corden discusses ‘The Late Late Show’ and his appointment as Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Corden performs "Me and My Shadow" with Stephen. Shane Smith discusses VICE Media. Halsey performs "New Americana" from her album ‘Badlands’.

    Director:Unknown
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  25. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Season 1 Episode 25 - Carey Mulligan, Elvis Costello, Darlene Love
    6.3/10(47 votes)

    #25 - Carey Mulligan, Elvis Costello, Darlene Love

    S1:E25

    Stephen Colbert’s RejecTED Talks. Carey Mulligan discusses ‘Suffragette’ and the British women’s suffrage movement. Stephen takes a meeting with her producer. Elvis Costello discusses his new memoir, ‘Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink’, and his father’s influence. Darlene Love performs “Forbidden Nights”, from her album ‘Introducing Darlene Love’, with Costello.

    Director:Unknown
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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"George Clooney, Jeb Bush, Jon Batiste & Stay Human" is the best rated episode of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" season 1. It scored 7.1/10 based on 149 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 9/8/2015. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "Scarlett Johansson, Elon Musk, Kendrick Lamar".