After the unexpected cancellation of The Late Show, Stephen Colbert makes a bold and surprising return by partnering with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett for a groundbreaking new late-night show—a daring move born from network disruption that could either reshape political entertainment or become the most talked-about risk of his career.

In a move that no one saw coming, Stephen Colbert is returning to television—just months after the shocking cancellation of The Late Show—and he’s bringing an unexpected co-host along for the ride: Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett.

The announcement of their new late-night project has taken the media and political worlds by storm, raising eyebrows and igniting speculation about what this bold partnership could mean for the future of televised commentary and entertainment.

The new program, which is currently in development under the working title After Hours with Colbert & Crockett, is set to premiere in early 2026 and will air weekly in prime time across multiple platforms, including streaming services and cable syndication.

Produced independently in partnership with a rising production studio known for edgy, politically charged programming, the show aims to break down traditional barriers between comedy, commentary, and activism.

Stephen Colbert, the Emmy-winning comedian and longtime late-night host, found himself unexpectedly benched when CBS announced the abrupt end of The Late Show earlier this year.

Despite the show’s strong cultural presence and consistent ratings, network executives cited a combination of cost-cutting and strategic restructuring as reasons behind the cancellation.

For fans and colleagues alike, the decision felt abrupt and disappointing—especially for Colbert, who had made the show a nightly destination for political satire and progressive conversation since 2015.

Rather than stepping back, Colbert has doubled down—and his next act is shaping up to be his boldest yet.

Enter Jasmine Crockett, the outspoken Democratic Congresswoman from Texas who rose to national prominence for her fiery presence in congressional hearings and viral social media moments.

Known for her unapologetic advocacy, quick wit, and unfiltered style, Crockett has amassed a following that extends far beyond the political sphere.

While this will be her first regular television role, she’s no stranger to the spotlight—and her background as both a civil rights attorney and social media-savvy lawmaker brings a unique energy to the late-night format.

Rumors of the collaboration first began swirling in June, when Crockett appeared as a surprise guest on a podcast Colbert hosted during his hiatus.

Their on-air chemistry was undeniable—playful, sharp, and deeply engaged in the day’s political and cultural currents. According to insiders close to the new production, that episode sparked a series of behind-the-scenes conversations that quickly turned into a shared vision.

“The world doesn’t need another echo chamber—it needs real talk, real laughs, and real impact,” Colbert said in a joint statement released with Crockett.

“We’re coming at this from two very different lanes, but we’re meeting at the intersection where truth, comedy, and action collide.”

The show will reportedly feature a mix of comedic monologues, political interviews, satirical sketches, and roundtable debates with guests from across the cultural and ideological spectrum.

It’s expected to blend Colbert’s trademark humor and media savvy with Crockett’s direct, unfiltered political style, offering viewers a provocative and unpredictable ride each week.

While the pairing may seem unconventional at first glance, industry veterans are calling it a timely reinvention of the late-night model. “This is not just a new show—it’s a new format,” said one executive producer familiar with the development.

“It’s part comedy, part town hall, part variety show.

And with Colbert and Crockett driving the conversation, it could open up a whole new kind of late-night energy.”

Not everyone is sold on the concept. Skeptics have questioned whether Crockett’s lack of entertainment experience will be a liability, while others wonder whether Colbert’s comedic roots will clash with the show’s heavier political tone.

But the team behind the project insists that the risk is part of the reward.

“Television needs to evolve,” Crockett posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the announcement. “We’re not here to fit in. We’re here to wake people up.”

With early pilot tapings planned for later this fall in Los Angeles, the show is already drawing attention from big-name guests, with insiders teasing appearances from both political figures and pop culture icons.

There are also whispers that Colbert is bringing back several members of his former Late Show writing staff, along with new producers drawn from both the political world and independent media.

For Stephen Colbert, this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a reinvention. For Jasmine Crockett, it’s a bold expansion into a new arena.

And for late-night television, it might just be the shakeup it didn’t know it needed.