CBS Names John Mulaney As Stephen Colbert's Late Night Successor
CBS Names John Mulaney As Stephen Colberts Late Night Successor...
CBS announced Wednesday that comedian John Mulaney will take over Stephen Colbert's 11:35 PM time slot starting in September 2026. The move follows Colbert's decision to step down from The Late Show after 11 years to focus on producing projects.
Mulaney, 43, is best known for his Emmy-winning stand-up specials and his short-lived Fox sitcom Mulaney. He has frequently guest-hosted for Colbert since 2022. Industry analysts say CBS chose Mulaney over higher-profile candidates to attract younger viewers without alienating Colbert's core audience.
The news trended nationally as fans debated whether Mulaney's cerebral humor can succeed in broadcast late-night. His hiring marks the first major late-night shakeup since Jimmy Fallon took over The Tonight Show in 2014. CBS will launch a six-week promotional campaign this summer.
Colbert will remain through August 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. Network executives confirmed Mulaney's show will keep the Ed Sullivan Theater location but undergo a complete visual rebrand. The writing staff is expected to include veterans from Saturday Night Live, where Mulaney worked as a writer from 2008-2012.
Ratings for traditional late-night shows have declined 22% since 2020 according to Nielsen data. CBS hopes Mulaney's digital-native fanbase - he has 4.3 million Instagram followers - can reverse that trend. His first guest lineup will be announced in July.
Reaction on social media was divided. "Genius hire - finally someone who doesn't just do political jokes," tweeted @LateNightFan. But critic James Poniewozik of The New York Times cautioned: "Mulaney's niche appeal risks becoming another Late Night with Seth Meyers - beloved by critics, ignored by audiences."
The move comes as ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! and NBC's The Tonight Show both recently renewed their hosts through 2028. CBS declined to share contract details but confirmed Mulaney will host at least through 2029. His debut episode is scheduled for September 8, 2026.
