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10 Totally Wild (and Some Totally Real!) Guesses About What Stephen Colbert’s Doing After The Late Show in 2026

Okay, so like, *The Late Show* is ending its run with Stephen Colbert at the helm in December 2026, and honestly? We’re all kind of spiraling. What’s the king of late-night comedy going to do next? We’ve been deep-diving into the internet void, and here are our hottest takes.

1. He’s Launching a Secret Podcast Network

He's Launching a Secret Podcast Network

Look, everyone and their dog has a podcast now, right? I’m lowkey convinced Stephen is going to drop a whole network of shows. Think like, deep dives into historical weirdness, or maybe even a comedy podcast where he just reads bad fanfiction. It’s a total mood.

2. He’ll Be the New Host of Jeopardy!

He'll Be the New Host of Jeopardy!

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Okay, hear me out. After Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik’s… *situation*, there’s a massive hole. Stephen has the brains, the wit, and the ability to keep a straight face while contestants say ‘What is… a wookiee?’ Sach mein, it’s perfect.

3. An Impending Broadway Comeback (Singing and Dancing Included!)

An Impending Broadway Comeback (Singing and Dancing Included!)

Remember his *Stephen Colbert’s] Christmas for the Soul*? The man has pipes! I bet he’s eyeing a Broadway comeback. Maybe a limited run in a classic musical, or even a brand-new show where he plays a quirky, lovable character. We’re living for this energy.

4. He’s Writing a Sci-Fi Novel

He's Writing a Sci-Fi Novel

Stephen is, like, ridiculously smart. He loves history, he loves satire. I can totally see him channeling all that brainpower into a massive, epic sci-fi novel. Something with aliens, political commentary, and a surprisingly heartwarming ending. No cap.

5. A Netflix Stand-Up Special (But Make It Political Satire)

A Netflix Stand-Up Special (But Make It Political Satire)

Netflix loves a big name, and Stephen is HUGE. Imagine him doing a massive stand-up tour, hitting all the major cities, and then dropping a special that’s basically *The Report* meets *The Colbert Report*. Brutal honesty, killer jokes. We’d smash that binge button.

6. He’s Taking Over as Creative Director for SNL

He's Taking Over as Creative Director for SNL

SNL needs a shake-up, am I right? Lorne Michaels is getting up there. What if Stephen steps in to inject some fresh, sharp satire into the show? He knows comedy, he knows politics. He’d make it iconic again. Just saying.

7. A Return to His Daily Show Roots (But for a New Generation)

A Return to His Daily Show Roots (But for a New Generation)

Maybe he misses the daily grind? He could launch a new digital-first show, something bite-sized and super shareable for Gen Z. Think TikTok sketches mixed with deep political analysis. It’s a wild thought, but honestly, it makes sense.

8. He’s Developing a Political Drama Series for HBO

He's Developing a Political Drama Series for HBO

HBO is the gold standard for prestige TV. I can totally picture Stephen crafting a complex political drama, maybe set in D.C. or even a fictional nation. He’d bring that signature wit and keen observation to the small screen. Total mood.

9. He’s Going Full ‘Eat Pray Love’ (But Make It ‘Read, Write, Roast’)

He's Going Full 'Eat Pray Love' (But Make It 'Read, Write, Roast')

Okay, this is a stretch, but imagine him taking a year off. Traveling the world, but instead of finding himself, he’s just researching obscure historical figures and eating really weird food for a potential documentary series. We’d watch him try escargot, no question.

10. He’s Actually Just Going to Chill and Enjoy His Millions

He's Actually Just Going to Chill and Enjoy His Millions

Is it possible? That after decades of working his butt off, he just wants to… not? Read books? Garden? Play with his grandkids? Honestly, that’s a vibe too. A very relatable, very deserved vibe. We stan a man who knows when to log off.

FAQs

When is Stephen Colbert leaving The Late Show?

Stephen Colbert is set to leave The Late Show in December 2026. It’s going to be a huge moment for late-night TV!

Has Stephen Colbert announced his next project?

Nope, not officially! As of May 2026, he’s keeping us all in suspense. That’s why we’re all guessing wildly about what’s next.

Will Stephen Colbert host another TV show?

It’s highly likely he’ll do *something* TV-related, given his talent and popularity. But whether it’s another talk show or something totally different, we just don’t know yet!

So there you have it! Our wildest, most hopeful, and maybe most realistic guesses for Stephen Colbert’s next act. Honestly, whatever he does, we’re going to be here for it. Let us know YOUR theories in the comments – we need to know if we’re crazy!

What do you think?

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