In a move that’s stirring buzz across the entertainment industry, comedian and late-night veteran Stephen Colbert is joining forces with acclaimed journalist Gayle King to produce and co-host a new talk show titled “Hot Issues.” The program, slated to debut in February 2026 on CBS, promises to tackle the day’s most contentious topics with a blend of sharp wit, in-depth interviews, and unfiltered discussions. Sources close to the project describe it as a “fresh take on current events,” combining Colbert’s satirical edge with King’s probing journalistic style, amid rumors of major changes at their respective networks.
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for both stars. Colbert, 61, has been the face of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” since 2015, succeeding David Letterman and steering the program through turbulent political eras with his signature monologues and celebrity sketches. However, CBS revealed in late 2025 that the show would conclude in May 2026, citing evolving viewer habits and a desire to refresh the late-night lineup. “It’s been an incredible run, but we’re looking to innovate,” a network executive told Variety at the time. Colbert, who has hosted over 1,500 episodes, expressed mixed emotions in a statement: “I’ve loved every minute, but I’m excited for what’s next.” The cancellation fueled speculation about his future, with insiders hinting at potential streaming deals or production ventures.
King, 71, has been a staple on “CBS Mornings” since 2012, co-anchoring alongside Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson after a storied career that includes her own talk show and high-profile interviews with figures like R. Kelly and Oprah Winfrey. Reports surfaced in October 2025 that King might depart the morning program when her contract expires in May 2026, amid declining ratings and internal shifts at CBS. The network denied the claims, stating King remains “integral” to their lineup, but sources suggested she was eyeing new opportunities, possibly in production or a primetime slot. “Gayle’s ready for something different,” one insider told Syracuse.com. Her $15 million annual salary and close ties to CBS executives have kept her in the fold, but the “Hot Issues” project could signal a transition.
“Hot Issues” is envisioned as a weekly primetime series, airing Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET, directly competing with other talk formats like “The Daily Show” and “Real Time with Bill Maher.” The show will feature segments on politics, culture, and social debates, with Colbert handling comedic breakdowns and King leading hard-hitting interviews. Early promos tease celebrity guests, live audience interactions, and “no-spin zones” where panelists confront hot-button topics like election fallout, celebrity scandals, and global affairs. “It’s about getting real in a fun way,” King said in a promotional clip shared on CBS’s social media. Colbert added, “We’ll laugh, we’ll argue, but we’ll always aim for the truth.” The format draws inspiration from King’s past appearances on Colbert’s show, where their chemistry shone through in discussions on everything from media ethics to personal anecdotes.
The duo’s collaboration isn’t entirely new. King has been a frequent guest on “The Late Show,” including a memorable 2017 interview where she discussed the fallout from Charlie Rose’s firing from CBS amid sexual harassment allegations. “It was a painful day,” King told Colbert, highlighting her role in breaking the story while maintaining professionalism. More recently, in December 2024, Colbert attended King’s 70th birthday bash, organized by her best friend Oprah Winfrey, where he showcased his dance moves to Beyoncé’s “Cuff It,” earning viral praise online. “Stephen’s got rhythm!” one fan commented on Daily Mail coverage. Their shared circle—Oprah, a mutual friend—has long fueled ideas of joint projects, with Colbert crediting King for her “unmatched grace” in handling tough stories.
Production details reveal a hands-on approach from both. Colbert, through his Spartina Productions banner, will executive produce alongside King, who brings experience from her SiriusXM radio show and magazine ventures. CBS Studios is backing the series, with a pilot filmed in November 2025 at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York—Colbert’s home turf. The set design incorporates elements from both worlds: a sleek news desk for King and a comedic stage for Colbert’s bits. Guest bookings are underway, with rumors of appearances by political heavyweights like Kamala Harris and entertainment icons like Taylor Swift. “We want voices from all sides,” a producer told AV Club, aiming to bridge divides in a polarized media landscape.
The timing aligns with broader industry shifts. Late-night TV has faced challenges from streaming and social media, with “The Daily Show” sparking controversy in early 2026 by confronting figures like Pam Bondi in unscripted segments. Colbert’s show, once a ratings powerhouse during the Trump era, saw viewership dip post-2024 election. Similarly, “CBS Mornings” has trailed rivals like “Good Morning America” and “Today,” prompting CBS to explore hybrid formats. “Hot Issues” could fill a gap, blending news and entertainment in a post-pandemic era where audiences crave authenticity. Analysts predict it might draw 5-7 million viewers per episode initially, boosted by cross-promotion on CBS platforms.
Colbert’s career trajectory adds intrigue. Rising from “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central (2005-2014), where he parodied conservative pundits, Colbert has amassed Emmys and a loyal fanbase. His “Late Show” tenure included viral moments like flipping off Trump in 2025 and holiday specials. Post-cancellation, he teased “new adventures,” with “Hot Issues” emerging as his first confirmed gig. King, Oprah’s confidante since the 1970s, has built a reputation for empathetic yet tough interviews, from her explosive R. Kelly sit-down to covering royal family dramas. Her potential “CBS Mornings” exit—denied but persistent in reports—could free her for more creative control.
Reactions have been mixed but enthusiastic. Fans on social media hailed the pairing as “dream team,” with one X post reading: “Colbert’s humor plus King’s insight? Sign me up!” Critics, however, question if the show can avoid bias, given Colbert’s liberal leanings and King’s CBS ties. Conservative outlets like Fox News have already dubbed it “another echo chamber,” while supporters argue it’s a needed counter to right-leaning media. Bravo TV’s “Watch What Happens Live” featured King reacting to Colbert’s cancellation, where she praised his resilience: “Stephen’s a fighter; this is just the beginning.”
Behind the scenes, the project faced hurdles. Initial talks began in mid-2025, amid Colbert’s contract negotiations and King’s reported frustrations with morning show dynamics. Oprah reportedly played matchmaker, leveraging her friendships to facilitate the deal. Budget estimates peg the first season at $20 million, covering guest fees and production. Diversity in staffing is a priority, with hires including emerging talents from underrepresented backgrounds to ensure broad appeal.
As February approaches, promotional efforts ramp up. Teaser trailers on CBS and YouTube highlight dynamic exchanges, like Colbert quipping on election absurdities while King presses for facts. The premiere episode is rumored to feature a live debate on AI ethics, with tech moguls as guests. If successful, “Hot Issues” could spawn spin-offs or syndication, revitalizing talk TV.
For Colbert and King, this marks a career evolution. At 61 and 71, respectively, they’re defying age norms in media, proving experience trumps trends. “We’re not done yet,” Colbert joked in a joint interview. With their combined star power—Colbert’s 10 million+ social followers and King’s journalism cred—”Hot Issues” positions itself as must-see TV in a fragmented landscape.
Challenges loom: competition from streaming giants like Netflix’s talk experiments and potential backlash from polarizing topics. Yet, early buzz suggests it could capture the zeitgeist, much like Colbert’s past hits. As one insider put it: “This isn’t just a show; it’s a statement.”
CBS has not released an exact premiere date beyond February, but expect announcements soon. In an era of fake news and echo chambers, “Hot Issues” aims to cut through the noise—whether it succeeds remains to be seen.
