Show summary Hide summary
Barack Obama joined Stephen Colbert yesterday for a historic close-up at the brand-new Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The former president delivered stunning encouragement for Colbert’s tepid political ambitions, saying “the bar has changed” for the White House. With just 16 days until the iconic Late Show finale on May 21, this week marks the beginning of the end.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Obama Appearance: Former president taped exclusive interview on May 5 at new Chicago library
- Presidential Endorsement: Obama joked Colbert had “the look” and could “perform significantly better” than recent leaders
- Final Week Lineup: Sally Field, John Krasinski, and Colbert’s own wife Evie join the historic gauntlet
- Finale Date: The Late Show concludes its 30-year run on Thursday, May 21, at 11:35 PM ET
Obama’s Stunning Endorsement for Colbert’s Presidential Dreams
When Stephen Colbert joked about needing a new job and that “people tell me I should run for president,” the 44th president didn’t laugh it off. Instead, Obama delivered a backhanded compliment that felt like political permission. “The bar has changed,” Obama said with a knowing chuckle. He added that Colbert “could perform significantly better than some folks that we’ve seen.” When Colbert pressed if this was an endorsement, Obama quickly clarified it was not, but the damage was deliciously done.
The 55-minute interview took place inside the Obama Presidential Center, which opens to the public on June 19, just weeks after the Late Show bows out. Obama showed Colbert exhibits in the museum and discussed what he hopes his legacy will mean to American history.
Stephen Colbert hosts Barack Obama in final episode gauntlet before May 21 finale
Dan Soder announced for Just For Laughs Montreal in July, taping Netflix special this summer
What Obama Really Wants His Presidency to Mean to America
Barack Obama expressed a profound desire for how his presidency should be remembered. “I want them to put my presidency in context,” he told Colbert during their historic sit-down. The 64-year-old acknowledged that his monumental achievement as the first African American president would be remembered, but emphasized the broader journey America took to reach that moment. “I was an episode in that,” Obama said humbly about his role in the nation’s ongoing story.
Obama also fielded serious questions about presidential power and democratic norms, stating the country would “have to do some work” to restore basic constitutional limits on executive authority. He specifically said the White House shouldn’t be able to direct the attorney general to prosecute political opponents.
The Final Three Weeks Begin This Week
| Day | Guest | Notable Detail |
| Monday, May 4 | Christopher Nolan | Director of Matt Damon’s Odyssey adaptation |
| Tuesday, May 5 | Barack Obama | Historic late-show appearance at Presidential Center |
| Wednesday-Thursday | Sally Field, John Krasinski | Major Hollywood talent during final gauntlet |
| Album Lineup | Chris Stapleton, Foo Fighters | Musical performances fill final broadcast week |
“Thank you for everything that you have done. I know we’ve only got a few shows left, but I know you’re gonna make them count, because you always have.”
— Barack Obama, Former President of the United States
Colbert’s Wife, A-List Stars Line Up for Historic Goodbye Week
This week represents The Late Show’s final three-week gauntlet before the Thursday, May 21 finale. Beyond Obama, Sally Field appears this week along with John Krasinski, signaling CBS is pulling out all the stops for Colbert’s exit. Even Evie McGee Colbert, Stephen’s wife, will join him on the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater stage for an emotional moment. Guests also include musician Chris Stapleton and filmmaker Pete Buttigieg in an unprecedented celebrity farewell.
The show has been a 30-year institution on CBS, starting with David Letterman in 1993. Colbert took over as host in 2015 and has anchored late-night comedy for over a decade. CBS announced the cancellation last July as a purely financial decision, not reflecting the show’s quality or viewership.
What Could This Mean for Stephen Colbert’s Future?
As The Late Show winds down its historic run, speculation swirls about Colbert’s next chapter. He’s addressed rumors about potential opportunities but hasn’t confirmed specific plans. What’s clear is that Colbert has become an irreplaceable voice in late-night television, and the industry is watching intently to see where he lands next. Will he pursue politics like he joked about? Will streaming services beckon? Only time will tell as the final 16 days tick toward an iconic goodbye on May 21.
