The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has added a last-minute booking to its lineup this week, announcing that former Secretary of State John Kerry will make a “special appearance” on Tuesday night’s episode.
The show has not revealed what Kerry will be doing. Historically, The Late Show has denoted a guest’s visit as a “special appearance” when they participate in a comedy bit rather than a traditional sit-down interview, although as the lead U.S. negotiator for Barack Obama’s 2015 Iran nuclear deal, he would almost certainly have insights on current events.
With just four weeks of new episodes remaining before the show’s series finale, Kerry’s appearance will mark his first visit to a late-night show in nearly five years.
He previously appeared on The Late Show twice—once in 2015 while still serving in Barack Obama’s cabinet, and again in 2018 to promote his memoir Every Day Is Extra. He also logged one visit with Colbert’s alter ego on The Colbert Report in 2007.
Kerry’s addition comes with a slight reshuffling to the week’s lineup. Jon Stewart, who had been scheduled to appear Tuesday in the latest installment of the show’s “Late Show Home Shopping” segment, will now join Colbert on Wednesday instead. (The recurring bit—introduced in December—has featured Colbert joined by favorite guests as he auctions off memorabilia and merchandise to benefit chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen.)
Kerry joins what had already been a week built entirely around returning guests. In addition to Stewart (who’s made 23 Late Show appearances) , Colbert’s lineup this week also includes frequent visitors Neil deGrasse Tyson (26 appearances), Elizabeth Warren (18), and Jake Tapper (14).
The emphasis on familiar faces comes as Colbert enters the final stretch of his run. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is scheduled to conclude May 21.
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This is what KILLED Stephen’s show….in addition to his elitist/pompous attitude? John Kerry? Really? I can’t believe I actually voted for him. He is a fraud. Just like Stephen.
He got cancelled because Drumpf ordered the Ellisons to remove him, if they wanted any future deals, like Netflix, to be approved!