Veteran late-night host Stephen Colbert and esteemed broadcast journalist Gayle King are set to redefine television discourse with their new collaborative talk show, “Hot Issues,” scheduled to premiere in February 2026 on CBS. The duo will serve as executive producers and co-hosts, blending Colbert’s razor-sharp satire with King’s incisive interviewing prowess to dissect the most pressing and controversial topics of the day. This announcement arrives amid significant transitions for both personalities, including the impending end of Colbert’s long-running “The Late Show” and speculation surrounding King’s future on “CBS Mornings,” positioning “Hot Issues” as a potential powerhouse in an evolving media landscape.
Colbert, 61, has been a fixture in late-night television since taking over “The Late Show” from David Letterman in September 2015. Under his stewardship, the program evolved into a platform for political commentary, earning multiple Emmys and peaking in viewership during high-stakes election cycles. However, CBS confirmed in November 2025 that the show would wrap up in May 2026, attributing the decision to shifting audience preferences toward on-demand content and shorter formats. “We’ve had an amazing decade, but it’s time for fresh ideas,” Colbert reflected in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. The cancellation sparked fan outcry and rumors of Colbert’s next moves, including potential Netflix specials or podcast expansions. His tenure included iconic moments, such as his 2017 monologue criticizing then-President Trump, which drew FCC scrutiny but boosted ratings to over 4 million viewers nightly at its height.
King, 71, brings decades of journalistic credibility to the partnership. As co-anchor of “CBS Mornings” since 2012, she has conducted landmark interviews, including her explosive 2019 sit-down with R. Kelly, where the singer’s outburst went viral, and conversations with Michelle Obama and Prince Harry. Reports from October 2025 suggested King might exit the morning show upon her contract’s expiration in May 2026, fueled by ratings dips—averaging 2.5 million viewers daily, down 10% from 2024—and internal network realignments. CBS dismissed the speculation as “premature,” affirming King’s value, but insiders noted her interest in primetime projects. Earning an estimated $15 million annually, King’s influence extends beyond TV; she’s editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine, and hosts a SiriusXM radio show, leveraging her friendship with Oprah Winfrey to secure A-list guests.
“Hot Issues” is designed as a weekly hour-long program airing Fridays at 9 p.m. ET, a slot that allows for timely reactions to the week’s news without the daily grind of traditional formats. The show will feature a mix of segments: Colbert’s comedic breakdowns of absurd headlines, King’s one-on-one interviews with newsmakers, and panel discussions with diverse voices on topics like climate policy, celebrity controversies, and social justice. Early teasers highlight a no-holds-barred approach, with one promo showing Colbert quipping about election mishaps while King presses a guest on corporate ethics. “We’re here to spark conversations that matter, with humor and heart,” King stated in a joint press release. Colbert added, “In a world full of hot takes, we’ll bring the heat—but with facts.” The format echoes successful hybrids like “Real Time with Bill Maher” but aims for broader appeal through King’s empathetic style.
Their synergy has been evident in past crossovers. King appeared on “The Late Show” multiple times, including a 2020 segment discussing the pandemic’s impact on media, where their banter showcased natural chemistry. In real life, Colbert joined King’s 70th birthday celebration in December 2024, hosted by Oprah at a lavish Hamptons event attended by stars like Tyler Perry and Meryl Streep. Footage of Colbert dancing to Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” went viral, amassing 5 million views on TikTok and highlighting his off-screen charisma. Oprah, a mutual friend since Colbert’s “Colbert Report” days, reportedly encouraged the collaboration, seeing it as a way to merge entertainment and journalism in an era of misinformation.
Behind-the-scenes development began in summer 2025, with pilot episodes taped at CBS’s Broadcast Center in New York. Colbert’s production company, Spartina, partners with King’s team, backed by a $25 million first-season budget from CBS Studios. The set combines a modern newsroom aesthetic with comedic elements, like a “hot seat” for guests facing tough questions. Booking agents are securing high-profile appearances, with whispers of inaugural guests including Vice President Kamala Harris discussing 2026 midterms and actor Ryan Reynolds on Hollywood strikes. To ensure inclusivity, the show plans rotating panels with experts from varied backgrounds, addressing criticisms of late-night’s historical lack of diversity.
The launch coincides with industry upheaval. Late-night viewership has declined 30% since 2019, per Nielsen data, as audiences flock to TikTok and podcasts. “The Daily Show,” now hosted by Jon Stewart part-time, faced backlash in 2025 for a segment on AI ethics that sparked online debates. Colbert’s show, while critically acclaimed, saw ratings fall to 1.8 million in 2025 from a 2017 peak of 3.9 million, prompting CBS’s pivot. For King, “CBS Mornings” has struggled against ABC’s “Good Morning America,” which leads with 3.2 million viewers. “Hot Issues” could revitalize CBS’s primetime, potentially drawing 4-6 million viewers if it captures the cultural zeitgeist.
Colbert’s backstory enriches the project. Starting on “The Daily Show” in 1997, he created the satirical “Colbert Report” in 2005, parodying conservative commentators and winning Peabodys for its incisive humor. His “Late Show” navigated controversies, like a 2025 expletive-laced response to Trump’s media attacks, which boosted digital clips to 10 million views. King, a journalism graduate from the University of Maryland, began her career in local news before joining CBS in 2011. Her 2019 R. Kelly interview, viewed 50 million times online, solidified her as a powerhouse, earning praise for composure amid chaos.
Public response has been electric. Social media erupted with excitement, hashtags like #ColbertKingTeam trending globally. “This is the duo we didn’t know we needed,” one Instagram user posted, while a Reddit thread speculated on dream episodes. Critics from outlets like Deadline applaud the pairing’s potential to “bridge comedy and credibility,” though some conservatives preemptively labeled it “left-leaning propaganda.” Liberal commentators see it as a counter to Fox News dominance.
Challenges include navigating polarized topics without alienating viewers. Colbert’s liberal views—evident in monologues on gun control and climate change—could clash with King’s neutral journalism ethos. The show plans fact-checking segments to maintain integrity. Promotion kicks off with Super Bowl ads in February 2026, leveraging CBS’s NFL rights.
For Colbert and King, “Hot Issues” represents reinvention. At their ages, they’re challenging industry ageism, with Colbert joking about “senior discounts on satire.” Their combined followings—Colbert’s 8 million on X and King’s 2 million on Instagram—ensure built-in buzz. Success could lead to expansions like a podcast companion or international syndication.
CBS executives view it as a strategic bet. “In a fragmented market, authentic voices win,” one told Variety. With pilots testing well in focus groups, the show is poised to launch amid awards season hype.
No exact premiere date beyond February has been set, but expect a splashy rollout. In a media world craving substance amid spectacle, “Hot Issues” could ignite meaningful dialogue—or spark its own controversies.
