Stephen Colbert has secured one of his biggest guests as The Late Show heads toward its grand finale. On May 5, former President Barack Obama will sit down with Colbert for his first interview from the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The highly anticipated interview comes as Colbert nears the final weeks of his CBS tenure, with The Late Show set to sign off on May 21 following CBS’s decision to end the franchise.
Colbert excitedly announced the news to the audience at New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater, saying, “Folks, before we get started, I have a quick but exciting announcement. Tuesday, May 5, here on The Late Show, in his first interview from the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, I will be sitting down with former President Barack Obama.” 
The Obama Foundation quickly embraced the announcement with a playful Instagram post: “Couch booked. Volume up. Ready to go.”
A Moment of Political and Personal Significance
This interview arrives at a significant time for both Colbert and Obama. As Colbert’s show enters its closing stretch, the timing adds even more weight to the already major booking. Colbert, who has increasingly been viewed as a voice for liberal audiences during this politically charged period, will have the opportunity to speak with one of the most prominent figures in Democratic politics. Obama’s status as one of the most in-demand public figures makes this interview a must-watch, and the two have a long history of appearing together on air. Obama appeared on Colbert’s Comedy Central show multiple times, as well as on CBS in 2016 and 2020. Colbert also served as moderator for the high-profile March 2024 fundraiser for President Joe Biden, where Obama and Bill Clinton joined him.
The Obama Presidential Center: A Legacy Unveiled
The timing of the interview adds another layer of relevance, as Obama will be speaking from the Obama Presidential Center, which is set to officially open to the public on June 19. This monumental presidential library project, which began construction in 2021, has been closely watched by the nation and will play a major role in Obama’s post-presidency legacy.
A Changing Late-Night Landscape
As Colbert prepares for his final days on The Late Show, CBS is gearing up for a quick change in its late-night lineup. Starting May 22, Comics Unleashed is expected to move into Colbert’s time slot, marking the end of the “Colbert era” at CBS.
Don’t miss the chance to see Colbert and Obama share a moment of political history. With both men at such pivotal points in their lives and careers, this interview is bound to be a game-changer!
