Stephen Colbert's New Year's Eve Interview: A Wild Ride and a Lesson Learned
In a recent appearance on CNN's New Year's Eve Live 2026, Stephen Colbert shared a memorable lesson he learned during a tumultuous year, marked by the cancellation of his show, The Late Show. Amidst a night of drinking and merriment with hosts Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper, Colbert offered a witty and insightful response to a question about his major lesson from the past year.
Cohen asked, "So much has happened in the last year of your life. What was the major lesson you learned last year?" Colbert's answer was both humorous and thought-provoking: "Don't trust billionaires!" he exclaimed. "They don't get rich by finding money on the side of the road." This comment came as no surprise, given Colbert's history of making digs at his billionaire bosses, particularly after Paramount's counteroffer for Warner Bros. Discovery.
In a previous episode of The Late Show, Colbert had mocked his parent company's hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros., valued at a staggering $108 billion. He humorously suggested that his company could afford to "un-cancel one of their best shows" if they had that kind of money. This playful jibe highlighted the tension between Colbert and his corporate overlords.
The interview also took an unexpected turn when Colbert's wife, Evelyn "Evie" McGee-Colbert, appeared on screen. Cohen's comment about Evie being the "top in their relationship" sparked a playful exchange. Colbert retorted, "But I'm a bossy bottom!" causing Anderson Cooper to exclaim, "Has Heated Rivalry made everyone insane?" This reference to the steamy sports drama, Heated Rivalry, added a layer of humor and surprise to the interview.
The trio's playful banter continued with a game of "Never Have I Ever." Colbert admitted to occasionally forgetting that a celebrity had already appeared on his show, even while they were still on it. He confessed, "I've forgotten they were a guest on my show while they were a guest on my show. I've said, 'It's great to finally talk to you,' and they've said, 'This is my third time on your show.'" Colbert also admitted to forgetting what he asked the guest while they were answering!
This chaotic and entertaining segment showcased Colbert's quick wit and ability to turn even the most unexpected situations into comedic gold. Despite the cancellation of The Late Show, Colbert's New Year's Eve interview left a lasting impression, proving that even in the face of adversity, humor and insight can prevail.
