Stephen Colbert Takes a Detour with Guest Role on CBS Hit Elsbeth

Stephen Colbert is stepping out from behind the late-night desk and onto the primetime stage — quite literally.

Credit : Getty

CBS has confirmed that the Late Show host will make a rare acting appearance on Elsbeth, the breakout detective dramedy starring Carrie Preston. Colbert is set to guest star in the upcoming third season, and while details on his character are still under wraps, the announcement has already generated buzz across fan circles and entertainment media.

This marks a notable shift for the Emmy-winning host, who hasn’t acted in a network television drama in over a decade. Though Colbert built his reputation with sharp political satire and desk-side comedy, he’s no stranger to acting. Before his rise in late-night, Colbert honed his skills on sketch comedy series like The Dana Carvey Show and voiced the high-strung Phil Ken Sebben on Adult Swim’s Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law.

Steve Carell. Stephen Colbert. A 1996 skit from the short-lived "Dana Carvey Show" // Credit: Facebook

“I’m thrilled to be doing something in front of a camera that doesn’t involve me pretending to know what day it is,” Colbert joked in a statement released by CBS. “I’ve been a fan of Elsbeth since episode one and leapt at the chance to work with Carrie Preston.”

Stephen Colbert photographed in April 2024, and Carrie Preston starring in an episode of 'Elsbeth'. // Credit:Kevin Winter/Getty;  Michael Parmelee/CBS

Colbert’s upcoming appearance is more than just a one-off stunt. It reflects the close relationship he’s built with CBS over the years — and the network’s increasing efforts to let its talent cross genres and time slots. His production company, Spartina, already has a hand in producing Elsbeth alongside series creators Michelle and Robert King (The Good Wife, The Good Fight), so the collaboration felt natural.

Set in New York City, Elsbeth follows the brilliant but unconventional Elsbeth Tascioni (Preston), a former Chicago attorney turned special investigator. The show’s procedural format allows for high-profile guest stars to pop in each week as either suspects, victims, or quirky characters who cross paths with Elsbeth’s charming chaos. This storytelling style has already made room for appearances from Jane Krakowski, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Keegan-Michael Key. Colbert will be in good company.

Since its premiere, Elsbeth has become a surprise hit for CBS, blending classic case-of-the-week structure with offbeat humor and character-driven charm. Its renewal for a third season came earlier this summer, signaling strong confidence from the network. Colbert’s cameo is expected to air in early 2026, when the new season returns.

Fans can expect a healthy dose of wit, mystery, and probably some Easter eggs. As Colbert puts it, “I can’t confirm whether I’m guilty or innocent — but I can say I wore a very nice hat.”