Meanwhile... Officials in Bend, Oregon don't know how to have fun, a cat was rescued from a drain pipe in England, and online donut orders at Krispy Kreme were disrupted by a hacker.

Originally aired December 12th, 2024.

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Santa and his workshop are, like America, having a bumpy sleigh ride transitioning to the incoming Trump administration. When Elon Musk is put in charge of Christmas efficiency as part of his D.O.U.C.H.E. program, Santa must either pledge absolute loyalty, or face a gladiator battle of ancient Roman proportions. Will Father Christmas survive? Will Joe Biden stay awake through the entire special? Will RFK Jr.'s brainworms have enough brain meat left to eat this winter? Find out in "It's A Worm-derful Life," the new Late Show Holiday Animated Classic!

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Some people are calling Elon Musk “president” after President-elect Trump followed Musk’s lead in coming out against the House Republicans’ spending bill, the first severe human case of bird flu has been reported in the U.S., and Stephen takes a look at some of the world’s strangest Christmas traditions. Actor Edward Norton talks about the truly authentic way he and Timothée Chalamet approached playing the music of Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger in their new film, “A Complete Unknown,” which opens in theaters on Christmas Day. 

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The stock market is on a 10-day skid but meme coins are getting hot, President Biden attempted to calm America’s nerves over the mysterious drone swarms, President-elect Trump continues to file lawsuits against media companies, and Justin Timberlake suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. Academy Award-winning actor Adrien Brody tells Stephen Colbert that he’s been an avid student of human nature since he was a child, and his observations help inform his choices as an actor. Watch Adrien in the new film, “The Brutalist,” in select theaters this Friday and opening nationwide in January.

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Americans are ready to shake up some tired Christmas traditions, Stephen looks into some cold weather dating trends, Canada’s prime minister has become deeply unpopular with the public, and England may run out of Guinness due to its surging popularity with a new generation of female drinkers. Elton John talks to Stephen Colbert about the dizzying highs and lows of his life from 1970-1975 as he became one of the most famous entertainers in the world, all while privately spiraling into drug addiction and despair. And the amazing Brandi Carlile joins Elton John and Stephen Colbert for an extended conversation about their friendship and artistic collaboration, Elton’s commitment to lifting up new artists like Chappell Roan, Brandi’s special relationship with Joni Mitchell, and the potential for new Elton John music in the near future. The new documentary, “Elton John: Never Too Late,” is streaming now on Disney+.

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Stephen went viral after dancing with Oprah at Gayle King’s surprise party, people across the Northeast want answers about the swarms of drones appearing in the night sky, and China may be tracking us through our air fryers. Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman lovingly teases two of her fellow Australian actors who failed to show up to watch her accept a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute. Stick around for more with Nicole Kidman and watch her new film, “Babygirl,” in theaters Christmas Day. 

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GRAMMY Best New Artist nominee Sabrina Carpenter makes her first visit to the Ed Sullivan Theater and is blown away by being in the same room where her idol Paul McCartney made his U.S. debut with The Beatles. Tune in to this EXCLUSIVE extended interview with the pop icon where she and Stephen talk about her music, her humor, and the new special, and watch Sabrina Carpenter sing and act in her holiday special, “A Nonsense Christmas,” streaming now on Netflix and look for her at The 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 2, 2025 on CBS. 

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Meanwhile... Pantone's color of the year is delicious, hot dog fans can grab a free wiener at Sam's Club for a limited time, and we have an update on the love affair between Stephen Colbert and the good people of Finland. Next up, Stephen Colbert has scoured the globe to find the latest news stories impacting the international community for his long running segment, "What's Going On Over There?"

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Science-lover Stephen Colbert reports on all the latest developments in the world of science in everyone's favorite science-focused segment. Next up, stand-up comedian Saul Trujillo celebrates his family's Mexican roots and confesses his love for Taco Bell while making his late night television debut with a stand-up set at the Ed Sullivan Theater. Learn more about Saul and find tour dates on his website: https://saulcomedy.com.

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President-elect Trump told Time Magazine he may not be able to lower prices at the grocery store, America’s dad Stephen Colbert takes all the credit for the engagement of Selena Gomez to benny blanco, mystery drones are freaking out New Jersey residents, and PornHub released fascinating data on the world’s pornography habits. Oscar-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet radiates with pride for his work transforming himself into Bob Dylan in the new film, “A Complete Unknown.” Stick around for more with Timothée Chalamet and watch the film in theaters on Christmas Day.

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Fans of accused UHC assassin Luigi Mangione are scooping up “Free Luigi” merchandise, President-elect Trump nominated Kimberly Guilfoyle for ambassador to Greece, and HHS nominee RFK Jr.’s opinions about healthy food may put him on a collision course with America’s corn lobby. In this exclusive EXTENDED interview with GRAMMY-winning global superstar Dua Lipa, hear Stephen and Dua trade stories from their service industry days, find out about her Christmas traditions in London, and get a peek at her new concert special, “An Evening With Dua Lipa,” which airs this Sunday on CBS and Paramount+.

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