Imagine the intrigue when Stephen Colbert, the beloved host of the "Late Show," steps into the shoes of a murdered talk show host in the whimsical mystery series "Elsbeth." This unexpected shift is already making waves in the entertainment world.
In July, Colbert revealed to his audience a significant development: CBS plans to cancel his popular show in the spring of 2026. This announcement followed a tumultuous summer during which the network, alongside its parent company, reached a settlement with former President Donald Trump. The legal proceedings stemmed from a lawsuit concerning alleged "election interference" resulting from an edited "60 Minutes" interview that featured Trump’s 2024 opponent, the then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
However, what’s drawing attention this week is Colbert's appearance in the season three premiere of "Elsbeth." He takes on the role of a late-night talk show host named Scotty Bristol from the fictional show "Way Late with Scotty Bristol." In a dark twist, Colbert's character meets an untimely end at the hands of his executive producer.
"Elsbeth" is described on IMDb as a series where the savvy and unconventional attorney Elsbeth Tascioni leverages her unique perspective to make astute observations and tackle clever criminals, often in collaboration with the NYPD.
Colbert’s involvement with "Elsbeth" arrives amid a backdrop of ongoing controversies surrounding late-night television, including the cancellation of his show and the temporary suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" These developments have led some critics, like culture writer Emma Fraser from the Daily Beast, to assert that the storylines in shows like "Elsbeth" seem to mirror current events as if conceived by a showrunner taking cues directly from the headlines.
Yet, the situation is far more nuanced. It turns out that showrunner Jonathan Tolins had penned the episode prior to Colbert's announcement about his own show's cancellation. As Carrie Preston, who portrays Elsbeth, revealed, Colbert humorously remarked that people would perceive the "Elsbeth" writers as having tremendous courage for the timely narrative choice.
Despite the dark premise of his character being killed off, Colbert’s role does not reflect his own persona. Scotty Bristol, the character he plays, is portrayed as less than lovable. "Scotty isn’t the kindest TV star or boss, which is why his executive producer, Laurel, turns a paper shredder into a murder weapon," noted Fraser. Preston further emphasized the distinction, stating that Scotty lacks the warmth and kindness that Colbert is known for.
With both Colbert and Kimmel entrenched in various controversies, some industry observers are left pondering the implications for the future of late-night television. Is the landscape shifting, or are these just bumps in the road? Do you agree with the sentiment that the fate of these shows might hang in the balance, or do you believe they will adapt and thrive? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss!
