Stephen Colbert, the host of the long-running CBS talk show ‘The Late Show,’ played a murdered talk show host in the third season premiere of the quirky detective series ‘Elsbeth.’ This role coincided with the recently announced cancellation of his show, scheduled for Spring 2026. The network’s decision to end his show followed a settlement with former President Donald Trump over a legal dispute involving a 2024 election-related interview. Despite these real-world events, the fictional character of Scotty Bristol, whom Colbert portrayed, is not based on himself, according to the show’s creators.
Colbert’s appearance in ‘Elsbeth’ has sparked discussions in the media about the interplay between real-life events and fictional storytelling. The episode, which focuses on the unconventional lawyer Elsbeth Tascioni, is set to explore new mysteries and challenges. While some critics suggest the episode reflects ongoing issues in late-night television, including the cancellation of Colbert’s show and the brief suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC, the showrunner has clarified that the episode was written before the cancellation announcement. This separation of fictional content from real events highlights the complexity of media narratives in the current political and cultural climate.
Industry insiders and critics have offered mixed reactions to the episode. Culture writer Emma Fraser of the Daily Beast noted that the fictional plot could be seen as a ‘ripped-from-the-headlines’ approach to storytelling, but showrunner Jonathan Tolins emphasized the narrative’s independence from real-world events. Meanwhile, the broader implications of late-night television’s challenges, including the impact of political and legal disputes on programming, continue to be a subject of debate within the media industry.