Imagine a beloved late-night talk show host, known for his wit and charm, suddenly finding himself at the center of a murder mystery—not just on screen, but in a way that eerily mirrors his own real-life controversies. That’s exactly what happened to Stephen Colbert, who recently guest-starred in the quirky detective series Elsbeth as a murdered talk show host. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this appearance comes on the heels of CBS announcing the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in spring 2026, following a high-profile legal settlement involving President Donald Trump. Could this be a case of art imitating life, or just a wild coincidence? Let’s dive in.
In Elsbeth’s season 3 premiere, Colbert plays Scotty Bristol, the host of Way Late with Scotty Bristol, a late-night show whose character is far from the lovable figure Colbert is known to be. Scotty’s abrasive personality and poor treatment of his staff lead to his demise at the hands of his executive producer, Laurel (played by Amy Sedaris), who turns a paper shredder into a deadly weapon. While the role isn’t a direct reflection of Colbert himself, the timing of his appearance—amidst the cancellation of his own show and broader controversies in late-night TV—has sparked speculation. And this is the part most people miss: showrunner Jonathan Tolins reportedly wrote the episode before Colbert’s cancellation was announced, adding another layer of intrigue.
The cancellation of The Late Show follows CBS and its parent company’s settlement with Trump, who sued them for alleged ‘election interference’ over a 60 Minutes interview edit involving then-Vice President Kamala Harris. This high-stakes drama has left many wondering about the future of late-night TV, especially as other hosts like Jimmy Kimmel have faced their own controversies. Culture writer Emma Fraser even suggested in The Daily Beast that Elsbeth might be taking a ‘ripped-from-the-headlines’ approach, though the truth appears more nuanced.
Carrie Preston, who stars as the titular Elsbeth Tascioni—an astute but unconventional attorney—shared a telling anecdote with The Daily Beast: Colbert joked that people would think the Elsbeth writers had ‘the biggest balls in Hollywood’ for casting him in this role. But while the parallels between Colbert’s real-life situation and his character’s fate are striking, Preston was quick to clarify that Scotty Bristol is not a stand-in for Colbert. ‘Scotty isn’t the kindest TV star or boss,’ Fraser noted, drawing a clear distinction between the two.
But here’s the controversial question: Is late-night TV as we know it on the brink of extinction? With Colbert’s cancellation, Kimmel’s suspension, and Conan O’Brien predicting the end of the genre, it’s a debate worth having. Some argue these shows are losing their cultural relevance, while others believe they remain a vital platform for political satire and social commentary. What do you think? Is late-night TV still essential, or is its time coming to a close? Let’s discuss in the comments—and don’t forget to tune into Elsbeth to see Colbert’s unexpected turn as a murder victim!
