Stephen Colbert Opens Up About Late-Night Exit During Candid Talk with Conan O’Brien

Stephen Colbert discussed his planned departure from late-night television. He shared the stage with fellow host Conan O’Brien at a New Jersey fundraiser. The event happened Sunday night at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

Colbert revealed his contract ends in May 2026. He announced he would not renew it last July. The conversation offered a rare glimpse into his personal reflections on ending a two-decade era.

A Nostalgic Look Back and Forward

The atmosphere was warm and sold-out. Colbert, 61, spoke about his early storytelling days. He recalled his mother defending his childhood stories to his siblings.

He joked that if someone likes his stories now, “Mom got to you.” This personal anecdote set a reflective tone. According to reports from the event, the discussion often turned to the changing television landscape.

Colbert expressed sadness for the late-night format itself. He called it one of television’s oldest and most successful forms. He said he loves his work but regrets there will be one less venue for this unique entertainment.

Conan O’Brien Offers Advice from the Other Side

Conan O’Brien provided perspective from his own 2021 departure. He told Colbert that the TV show is just a way to connect, not the way. O’Brien emphasized that many new creative avenues await.

He assured Colbert that audiences will follow him to his next project. O’Brien ended his own show nearly four years ago. He stated he has had tremendous fun exploring new opportunities since then.

The pair humorously brainstormed future collaborations. This included a potential Hallmark Christmas movie. The playful banter highlighted their deep professional respect and friendship.

Stephen Colbert’s exit marks a significant shift in the late-night television landscape. His candid conversation with Conan O’Brien provided both nostalgia and hope for the future. The industry now watches to see what story he tells next.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why is Stephen Colbert leaving *The Late Show*?

His current contract expires in May 2026. Colbert announced in July he will not seek a renewal, a decision reportedly made after criticism of CBS’s corporate parent.

Q2: What did Conan O’Brien advise Colbert about?

O’Brien, who left his show in 2021, told Colbert that late-night is just one way to connect with people. He encouraged him that many new, fulfilling creative opportunities lie ahead.

Q3: What was the setting for this Colbert and O’Brien talk?

They spoke at a live fundraiser for Montclair Film. The event was held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark and was sold out.

Q4: How did Colbert describe the late-night format?

He described it as a very old television form tied to vaudeville through radio. Colbert said he feels sad that there will be one less place for that specific experience.

Q5: What personal story did Colbert share about his comedy?

He recalled his mother defending his poorly-told childhood stories to his older siblings. Colbert joked that if someone likes his stories now, he thinks his “Mom got to” them.