What’s Behind the Break?
This summer break is a regular part of The Late Show’s production schedule. Like many late-night programs, Colbert and his team take a two-week hiatus each summer, a tradition that aligns with industry norms and allows the cast and crew some much-needed rest and relaxation. The break began on June 26 and will extend through the week of July 7-11.
New episodes are scheduled to return starting Monday, July 14, 2025.
Is Stephen Colbert on Vacation?
Yes, Stephen Colbert is on vacation this week. This scheduled summer break is not unusual—Colbert typically takes about 12 weeks off per year, similar to other major late-night hosts.
The production schedule is demanding, and these breaks are built into contracts to ensure both the host and staff can recharge and maintain the high quality of the show.
How Does Colbert’s Vacation Compare to Other Hosts?
| Host | Typical Annual Vacation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Colbert | ~12 weeks | No Friday tapings, summer & holidays |
| Jimmy Kimmel | ~12-14 weeks | Often uses guest hosts during breaks |
| Jimmy Fallon | ~10-12 weeks | Similar summer/winter breaks |
| Seth Meyers | ~10-12 weeks | Follows NBC’s late-night schedule |
What’s Airing Instead?
During the hiatus, CBS is airing reruns of popular episodes featuring big-name guests such as Mariska Hargitay, Natalie Portman, and Mark Hamill. Here’s a look at this week’s rerun schedule:
| Date | Guests (Original Airdate) |
|---|---|
| June 30 | Colman Domingo, Gary Oldman & cast (6/11) |
| July 1 | Mariska Hargitay, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (6/16) |
| July 2 | John C. Reilly, Eva Victor (6/12) |
| July 3 | Natalie Portman, Dawn Staley, Wednesday (5/21) |
| July 4 | Mark Hamill, Cristin Milioti (6/4) |
What are Fans Saying?
The summer break always sparks conversation online, with some viewers expressing frustration over the frequency of late-night hiatuses, while others defend the demanding nature of the job and the need for downtime.
Top Social Media Reactions
View Reddit Post
View Reddit Post
Why Don’t They Use Guest Hosts?
Unlike Jimmy Kimmel Live, which often features guest hosts during breaks, The Late Show opts for reruns. Some fans on Reddit have suggested bringing in guest hosts, but CBS has stuck with the rerun format for now.
When Will New Episodes Return?
Based on the announced hiatus schedule, new episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert are expected to resume on Monday, July 14, 2025. However, viewers should check their local listings or CBS's official schedule for any potential changes to the return date.
Where to Watch During the Break?
For fans looking to catch up or rewatch favorite segments, the rerun episodes are available through multiple platforms:
- Live broadcasts on CBS at 11:35 PM ET/PT
- Streaming on Paramount+ (both live and on-demand)
- Selected clips and segments on The Late Show's official YouTube channel
The show's YouTube channel typically posts highlights and popular segments the day after each episode airs, making it easy for fans to stay connected even during the hiatus.
Conclusion
While the lack of new Late Show episodes can be disappointing, Stephen Colbert’s summer break is a standard part of the late-night TV landscape. Fans can look forward to his return on July 14, when Colbert and his team will be back, rested, and ready to deliver the sharp political satire and celebrity interviews viewers love.
FAQ
Question 1: When will The Late Show with Stephen Colbert return with new episodes?
Answer: New episodes are scheduled to return on Monday, July 14, 2025.
Question 2: Why does Stephen Colbert get so much vacation?
Answer: Colbert’s vacation time is typical for late-night hosts, who often take around 12 weeks off per year due to the demanding production schedule.
Question 3: Are other late-night shows on break too?
Answer: Yes. Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon also take summer breaks, though Kimmel sometimes uses guest hosts instead of reruns.
Question 4: What can fans watch during the break?
Answer: CBS is airing reruns of The Late Show featuring some of the year’s most popular guests
Disclaimer:
The information provided regarding The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, including broadcast schedules, host vacations, guest lineups, and rerun details, is based on publicly available sources and standard industry practices at the time of writing. Actual air dates, programming decisions, and availability on streaming platforms may vary and are subject to change by CBS and associated networks. This content is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by CBS, Paramount+, or Stephen Colbert. For the most accurate and updated information, please refer to CBS’s official schedule and platforms
