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Stephen Colbert just booked a major reunion. The late-night host will welcome former CBS Evening News co-anchor John Dickerson to The Late Show on Tuesday, February 24 for a special live broadcast airing immediately after President Trump’s State of the Union address. This marks Dickerson’s first on-air appearance since departing the network in December.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Air Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, live after State of the Union
- Guest: John Dickerson, veteran CBS News political journalist
- Format: Special live episode on CBS following SOTU coverage
- Context: Dickerson departed CBS Evening News in December 2025
A Newsroom Reunion After CBS Drama
Colbert and Dickerson have a long working history at CBS. Dickerson, born July 6, 1968, spent over a decade building his reputation as a political analyst and correspondent. He joined CBS in 2009 and most recently co-anchored CBS Evening News alongside Maurice DuBois starting in January 2025. His departure in December marked the end of a prestigious tenure in network news.
The decision to book Dickerson for this particular episode carries symbolic weight. Colbert’s late-night empire has been engulfed in recent controversy over CBS editorial decisions, making this reunion feel like a statement moment.
The interview: Colbert reunites with Dickerson amid CBS drama on Late Show
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Why This Episode Matters
This marks The Late Show’s final live post-State of the Union broadcast before the show’s May 2026 finale. Colbert announced the show would end at the conclusion of this broadcast season, shocking fans and industry observers. The network confirmed it as a purely financial decision, with late-night programming disappearing from CBS entirely.
Hosting Dickerson on this high-stakes, live-televised event demonstrates Colbert’s commitment to political discourse even as his time at CBS winds down. The timing couldn’t be more dramatic.
The Political Journalist Behind the Interview
| Career Milestone | Details |
| Birth Date | July 6, 1968, Washington D.C. |
| Earlier Career | 12 years at Time Magazine, Political Columnist at Slate (2005-2015) |
| CBS Tenure | 2009-2025, Political Director, Face the Nation Moderator, CBS Evening News Co-Anchor |
| Notable Work | Chief Political Analyst for CBS News, Contributing Writer for The Atlantic |
Dickerson has earned respect across the political spectrum for his analytical depth and journalistic integrity. His work covering presidential politics and campaign operations gave him unique insight. Now stepping away from daily news operations, appearances like this one on The Late Show position him as a elder statesman of political journalism.
“The veteran reporter has appeared frequently on The Late Show over the years, but Tuesday’s show will mark his first since departing CBS.”
— Multiple Entertainment Reports, February 20, 2026
Colbert’s Final SOTU Episode Amid Network Tensions
The Late Show has faced exceptional pressure in recent weeks. Colbert publicly accused CBS of blocking an interview with Texas Democratic state representative James Talarico in mid-February. The network later denied the claims, citing FCC compliance concerns. Colbert publicly scolded CBS legal teams for what he characterized as network interference with editorial independence.
By booking Dickerson, a politically engaged figure who just exited the same network, Colbert sends a message about journalistic integrity during his final months on the air. The timing demonstrates his investment in serious political conversation.
What’s Next for The Late Show and Its Legacy?
This February 24 episode will be unforgettable for multiple reasons. Colbert has transformed late-night television since 2015, earning Emmy recognition and becoming a cultural force. His final months will be closely watched. The State of the Union special with Dickerson represents legacy programming at its finest.
Will this reunion spark broader conversations about media independence and journalistic values? Fans expect nothing less from colbert’s final season. The show ends May 21, 2026, marking the end of an era on CBS.
