Career Timeline of Stephen Colbert: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Stephen Colbert, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Stephen Colbert is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He gained prominence as the host of The Colbert Report, a satirical news program on Comedy Central from 2005 to 2014, where he portrayed a conservative pundit. Since 2015, he has hosted The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, a late-night talk show that blends comedy with political commentary and interviews.
1969: Father's Role at Medical University of South Carolina
In 1969, James Colbert Jr., Stephen Colbert's father, became the first vice president of academic affairs at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
1986: Internship and Second City
In 1986, after graduating from Northwestern, Colbert rejected an unpaid internship at 'Late Night with David Letterman'. Instead, he worked at Second City, taking improvisation classes.
1992: Saturday Night Live Audition
In 1992, Stephen Colbert auditioned for Saturday Night Live but was unsuccessful.
1995: Debut of Exit 57
In 1995, 'Exit 57', a sketch comedy show created by Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello and Stephen Colbert, debuted on Comedy Central.
1996: End of Exit 57
In 1996, the sketch comedy show 'Exit 57', which debuted in 1995, ended after 12 episodes despite favorable reviews and CableACE Awards nominations.
1997: Joining The Daily Show
In 1997, Stephen Colbert joined the cast of Comedy Central's news-parody series, 'The Daily Show'.
1998: Development of Strangers with Candy
In 1998, Comedy Central picked up the new comedy series 'Strangers with Candy', while Colbert had already begun working on 'The Daily Show'.
1999: Airing of Strangers with Candy
In 1999, thirty episodes of 'Strangers with Candy' aired on Comedy Central.
2000: Coverage of the 2000 U.S. Presidential Elections
In 2000, Colbert filed reports from the floor of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions as part of The Daily Show's coverage of the U.S. presidential elections.
2000: Emmy Awards for The Daily Show
In 2000, Stephen Colbert and the other Daily Show writers received three Emmy Awards as writers for The Daily Show.
2000: Strangers with Candy Aired
In 2000, more episodes of 'Strangers with Candy' aired on Comedy Central, finishing its run.
March 3, 2002: Filling in as Anchor on The Daily Show
On March 3, 2002, Stephen Colbert filled in as anchor on The Daily Show for the full week while Jon Stewart hosted Saturday Night Live.
2002: Imitation of Colbert
In 2002, Rob Corddry and Ed Helms imitated Stephen Colbert when they first joined 'The Daily Show'.
2003: Publication of Wigfield: The Can Do Town That Just May Not
In 2003, Colbert co-authored the satirical novel Wigfield: The Can Do Town That Just May Not with Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello. The authors also toured performing an adaptation of the book on stage the same year.
2004: Coverage of the 2004 U.S. Presidential Elections and Emmy Win
In 2004, Stephen Colbert reported from the Republican and Democratic National Conventions for the Daily Show, and some of those reports were included in The Daily Show: Indecision 2004 DVD. Additionally, Colbert won an Emmy as a writer for The Daily Show.
June 16, 2005: Bloomsday on Broadway Reading
On June 16, 2005, Colbert read the part of Leopold Bloom in Bloomsday on Broadway XXIV: Love Literature Language Lust: Leopold's Women Bloom at Symphony Space in New York City.
October 17, 2005: Premiere of The Colbert Report
On October 17, 2005, Stephen Colbert began hosting his own television show, The Colbert Report, a spin-off of The Daily Show that parodied cable news shows.
2005: Departure from Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law
In 2005, Colbert left his voice acting roles as Reducto and Phil Ken Sebben on Adult Swim's Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law to work on The Colbert Report. Prior to this, Colbert appeared in a supporting role in the 2005 film adaptation of Bewitched and made guest appearances on television series like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Spin City, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
2005: Emmy Awards for The Daily Show and Satellite Award Nomination
In 2005, Stephen Colbert and the other Daily Show writers received an Emmy Awards as writers for The Daily Show and he was nominated for a Satellite Award for his performance on The Colbert Report.
2005: Hosting The Colbert Report
In 2005, Stephen Colbert began hosting 'The Colbert Report' on Comedy Central.
2005: "Truthiness" coined.
In 2005, Stephen Colbert coined the word "truthiness" on the premiere episode of The Colbert Report.
January 2006: "Truthiness" Named American Dialect Society's Word of the Year
In January 2006, the American Dialect Society named "truthiness," a word which Colbert coined, as its 2005 Word of the Year.
April 29, 2006: Featured Entertainer at White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
On April 29, 2006, Stephen Colbert was the featured entertainer at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. Standing near President George W. Bush, Colbert delivered a satirical routine targeting the president and the media in his character from The Colbert Report.
October 30, 2006: Custody Agreement for Emmy Award
On October 30, 2006, Barry Manilow and Stephen Colbert jokingly signed and notarized a revolving biannual custody agreement for the Emmy on The Colbert Report episode.
December 9, 2006: "Truthiness" Named Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year
On December 9, 2006, Merriam-Webster announced that it selected "truthiness," a word coined by Colbert, as its Word of the Year for 2006.
2006: Response to White House Correspondents' Association Dinner Performance
In 2006, Colbert's performance at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner received a chilly reception initially, but the video became an internet sensation, leading to a rise in ratings for The Colbert Report. James Poniewozik called it "the political-cultural touchstone issue of 2006" and Frank Rich called it the "defining moment" of the 2006 midterm elections.
2006: White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
In 2006, Stephen Colbert performed as the featured entertainer at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, in character as his conservative pundit persona.
2006: Performance at White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
In 2006, Stephen Colbert performed at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.
February 2007: Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream Ice Cream
In February 2007, Ben & Jerry's unveiled a new ice cream flavor in honor of Stephen Colbert, named Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream, with Colbert donating all proceeds to charity.
October 7, 2007: Release of I Am America (And So Can You!)
On October 7, 2007, Colbert's book, I Am America (And So Can You!), was released by Grand Central Publishing. The book contains similar political satire to America (The Book) but was primarily written by Colbert.
October 16, 2007: Presidential Candidacy Announcement
On October 16, 2007, Stephen Colbert announced his intention to run for president on both the Republican and Democratic platforms, but only as a "favorite son" in his native South Carolina.
October 28, 2007: Campaigning in South Carolina
On October 28, 2007, Stephen Colbert campaigned in Columbia, South Carolina, and received the key to the city from Mayor Bob Coble during his faux campaign for president.
November 1, 2007: South Carolina Democratic Party Rejection
On November 1, 2007, the South Carolina Democratic Party executive council voted 13–3 to refuse Colbert's application onto the ballot, citing that he wasn't a serious candidate. He later dropped out of the race to avoid a Supreme Court battle, referencing the 2000 election.
2007: Emmy Nomination
In 2007, Colbert was nominated for an Emmy for The Colbert Report.
2007: "I Am America (And So Can You!)" Bestseller
In 2007, Stephen Colbert's book 'I Am America (And So Can You!)' reached No. 1 on The New York Times Best Seller list.
August 2008: Marvel Comics Appearance
In August 2008, Colbert's campaign ads appeared in Marvel Comics publications, including a cameo of an alien Skrull posing as Colbert in Secret Invasion No. 5.
October 2008: The Amazing Spider-Man
In October 2008, Stephen Colbert made an extended 8-page appearance webslinging with Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man issue No. 573.
November 2008: DVD Release of A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!
In November 2008, Stephen Colbert's Christmas special, A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!, which aired on November 23, 2008, was released on DVD.
November 23, 2008: A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!
On November 23, 2008, Colbert's Christmas special, A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!, aired on Comedy Central. It was later released on DVD in November 2008.
2008: Emmy Nomination
In 2008, Colbert was nominated for an Emmy for The Colbert Report.
2008: Donorschoose.org partnership
In 2008, Stephen Colbert partnered with Donorschoose.org again, encouraging Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton supporters to donate to Pennsylvania classroom projects in honor of their preferred candidate. This initiative, framed as a "straw poll that makes a difference," resulted in Colbert viewers donating $185,000 to projects benefiting 43,000 students in Pennsylvania public schools.
April 14, 2009: NASA Treadmill Renamed COLBERT
On April 14, 2009, NASA renamed the International Space Station treadmill the "Combined Operational Load-Bearing External Resistance Treadmill", or COLBERT, after Stephen Colbert.
June 5, 2009: "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando"
On June 5, 2009, Colbert arrived in Baghdad, Iraq, to film "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando" sponsored by the USO. He had a suit tailored in Army Combat Uniform pattern and cropped his hair in a military style to show solidarity with the troops.
August 2009: ISS Treadmill Sent to Space
In August 2009, the COLBERT treadmill was taken to the International Space Station by the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-128 mission.
2009: Monsters vs. Aliens
In 2009, Colbert voiced the president of the U.S. in the film Monsters vs. Aliens.
January 2010: Assistant Sports Psychologist
In January 2010, Colbert was named the assistant sports psychologist for the US Olympic speed skating team at the 2010 Winter Olympics and joined NBC's coverage team.
September 10, 2010: Rally Preannouncements
On the September 10, 2010, episode of the Daily Show and The Colbert Report, Stewart and Colbert made preannouncements of a future event.
September 2010: Rally Campaign Development
In September 2010, a campaign developed that called for Colbert to hold his own rally at the Lincoln Memorial, following Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor rally.
September 16, 2010: Competing Rallies Announced
On September 16, 2010, Stewart and Colbert announced competing rallies on the Washington, D.C., Mall for October 30, 2010. Stewart's rally was named "Rally to Restore Sanity", and Colbert's was named "March to Keep Fear Alive".
September 24, 2010: House Judiciary Subcommittee Testimony
On September 24, 2010, Stephen Colbert testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Security, in character, about his experience in the United Farm Workers' "Take Our Jobs" program. He later broke character to explain his purpose for being at the hearing.
October 30, 2010: Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear
On October 30, 2010, the "Rally to Restore Sanity" and the "March to Keep Fear Alive" were both eventually merged into the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.
2010: Scripto Conceived
At the end of 2010, Colbert and Dubbin first discussed making Scripto, a bespoke drafting program for the staff. The idea was further inspired by a mishap on the show involving a real life goat.
April 2011: Performance in Company
In April 2011, Colbert performed as Harry in the concert-style revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical Company, presented by the New York Philharmonic at the Lincoln Center. The show, featuring Neil Patrick Harris in the starring role, ran for four nights and was filmed for later showings in movie theaters.
May 2011: Charleston to Bermuda Race
In May 2011, Colbert captained the ship "the Spirit of Juno" in the Charleston to Bermuda Race yachting race, finishing second, five miles behind the leaders.
May 2011: FEC Request for Media Exemption
In May 2011, Colbert filed a request with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) seeking a media exemption for coverage of his political action committee, ColbertPAC, on The Colbert Report.
June 2011: FEC Grants Limited Media Exemption
In June 2011, the FEC voted 5–1 to grant The Colbert Report a limited media exemption, allowing unlimited donations of airtime and show resources to promote Colbert Super PAC without disclosure, but only for ads on The Colbert Report. Colbert then filed paperwork for his Super PAC's creation.
January 16, 2012: Support for Herman Cain
On January 16, 2012, Colbert satirically encouraged his viewers to vote for Herman Cain in the South Carolina primary, considering votes for Cain as direct support for his own possible candidacy.
July 2012: Contract Extension for The Colbert Report
In July 2012, Colbert extended his contract with Comedy Central for two more years, ensuring The Colbert Report would continue until the end of 2014.
2012: South Carolina Presidential Candidacy
In 2012, after the New Hampshire primary, a poll placed Colbert at 5% in the South Carolina primary, ahead of Jon Huntsman. Colbert then announced he was forming an exploratory committee for a possible presidential candidacy in South Carolina after signing over control of his Super PAC to Jon Stewart.
2012: Montclair Film Festival Collaboration
Since 2012, Colbert has collaborated with the Montclair Film Festival in Montclair, New Jersey, hosting fundraising events and leading Q&As with various artists and figures. He is also on the advisory board.
April 10, 2014: Announcement as Host of The Late Show
On April 10, 2014, CBS announced that Stephen Colbert would succeed David Letterman as the host of The Late Show.
December 18, 2014: Final Episode of The Colbert Report
On December 18, 2014, Colbert hosted the final episode of The Colbert Report.
2014: Kennedy Center Honors and Scripto Creation
In 2014, Colbert hosted the Kennedy Center Honors and, alongside Rob Dubbin, created Scripto, a collaborative script software used by several late-night talk shows. Scripto was conceived at the end of 2010 and Colbert's wife Evie McGee is also credited as a co-founder of the company.
2014: End of The Colbert Report
In 2014, Stephen Colbert concluded hosting 'The Colbert Report' on Comedy Central.
January 12, 2015: Premiere Date Announced for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
On January 12, 2015, CBS announced that Stephen Colbert would premiere as the host of The Late Show on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.
September 8, 2015: Premiere of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
On September 8, 2015, Stephen Colbert premiered as the host of The Late Show on CBS, with George Clooney as his first guest. The show adopted a more political focus compared to David Letterman's version.
2015: Outstanding Civilian Service Award
In 2015, Stephen Colbert was awarded the third-highest honor within the Department of the Army Civilian Awards, the Outstanding Civilian Service Award, for substantial contributions to the U.S. Army community.
2015: Becoming Host of The Late Show
In 2015, Stephen Colbert was hired to succeed David Letterman as host of the Late Show on CBS.
2016: Kennedy Center Honors Hosting
In 2016, Colbert hosted the Kennedy Center Honors for the third consecutive year.
September 2017: Hosting the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards
In September 2017, Stephen Colbert hosted the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.
September 17, 2017: Hosting the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards
On September 17, 2017, Colbert hosted the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards, which was broadcast on CBS.
2017: 69th Primetime Emmy Awards Hosting
In 2017, Stephen Colbert hosted the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards. He also used a satirical children's book Whose Boat Is This Boat?, based on Trump's quotes after Hurricane Florence, to raise over $1 million for relief funds.
2019: Conversation with Tolkien Cast
In 2019, Colbert hosted a conversation with the cast of the film Tolkien as part of an event for Montclair Film and Fathom Events.
2021: Lord of the Rings Cast Reunion
In 2021, Colbert moderated Lord of the Rings cast reunions screened at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and made available on a Blu-ray collectors edition of the film series.
August 30, 2023: Launch of Strike Force Five Podcast
On August 30, 2023, Stephen Colbert, along with other talk show hosts, launched the comedy podcast Strike Force Five to support staff members during the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.
December 11, 2023: Return to The Late Show
Stephen Colbert returned to 'The Late Show' on December 11, 2023, after recovering from a ruptured appendix.
2023: Producing The Chronicles of Amber TV adaptation
In 2023, it was reported that Stephen Colbert would help produce a television adaptation of the fantasy series The Chronicles of Amber.
2024: Producer on After Midnight
From 2024 to 2025, Colbert was a producer on the CBS late-night comedy panel game show, After Midnight, alongside his wife Evie.
2024: Co-authored cookbook
In 2024, Colbert and Evelyn Colbert co-authored, Does This Taste Funny?, a cookbook featuring recipes from their family, centered on Lowcountry cuisine.
July 17, 2025: CBS Announces End of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
On July 17, 2025, CBS announced it would end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and retire The Late Show franchise altogether in May 2026 after 33 years, despite the show being No. 1 in late night for nine straight seasons.
August 2025: Guest Appearance on Elsbeth
In August 2025, it was reported that Stephen Colbert will make a guest appearance as a late-night host on the CBS show Elsbeth, reuniting with Amy Sedaris.
2025: Producer on After Midnight
From 2024 to 2025, Colbert was a producer on the CBS late-night comedy panel game show, After Midnight, alongside his wife Evie. The show ended after two seasons.
May 2026: Planned End of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
CBS announced that in May 2026, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will come to an end, retiring The Late Show franchise after 33 years.
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