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Season guide

The Colbert Report: Season 9

155 episodes Premiered Oct 1, 2012 Updated Sep 25, 2026
Previously on The Colbert Report

Season 9 Lore Primer

Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.

  • ⚡ Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of The Colbert Report Season 8.
  • ⚡ Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
  • ⚡ Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
  • ⚡ Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
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Season 9 Episodes

Episode Guide

🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD

Season 9 Progress Shield

Future titles & synopses blurred. Tap "Reveal" on any card to peek.
Binge Efficiency Engine

Season 9: Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by narrative weight. Focus on essential mytharc and skip standalone side quests.

95%
Mytharc (7): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (148): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
S9·E1 Mytharc

Ben Folds Five

Oct 1, 2012

Paul Ryan tiptoes around tax plan costs, U.S. prison labor threatens small business, Iran's presidential aides visit Costco, and Ben Folds Five explains their album title.

S9·E2 Core

Jorge Ramos

Oct 2, 2012

Stephen releases "America Again," pastors endorse politicians on Pulpit Freedom Sunday, the Romney camp praises Obama's rhetoric, and Jorge Ramos talks immigration policy.

S9·E3 Core

Kenny Rogers

Oct 3, 2012

America meets Mitt Romney for the first time, George Will points out Obama's racial advantage, doctors treat low testosterone, and Kenny Rogers recounts his music career.

S9·E4 Core

Dr George Church

Oct 4, 2012

Mitt Romney pledges to defund PBS, Chris Matthews berates Barack Obama, Pennsylvania rules against voter ID laws, and Harvard geneticist George Church explores DNA.

S9·E5 Mytharc

Mark Kelly

Oct 8, 2012

Lower unemployment rates prompt GOP conspiracy theories, rich Americans want Obama's respect, World of Warcraft shapes a state campaign, and Mark Kelly talks mice in space.

S9·E6 Core

Morrissey

Oct 9, 2012

Barack Obama seeks "obsessive" supporters, the Russian Church blesses the North Pole, Mitt Romney vaguely bullies four countries, and Morrissey slams the British Royal Family.

S9·E7 Core

Naomi Wolf

Oct 10, 2012

7-Eleven and Pizza Hut participate in politics, doctors prescribe Adderall for bad test scores, bears invade America's malls, and Naomi Wolf sheds light on female anatomy.

S9·E8 Core

Chrystia Freeland

Oct 11, 2012

Joe Biden debates Paul Ryan, Martian Obama rumors surface, Stephen argues with Stephen over Mitt Romney's conservative credentials, and Chrystia Freeland talks "Plutocrats.

S9·E9 Mytharc

Evan Thomas

Oct 15, 2012

Red Bull sponsors a record sky dive, the EU receives the Nobel Peace Prize, Florida deals with a marauding monkey, and Evan Thomas reveals President Eisenhower's views on war.

S9·E10 Core

Cory Booker

Oct 16, 2012

CNN enhances debate viewing, Emily Bazelon talks affirmative action, Paul Ryan pretends to volunteer, and Mayor Cory Booker explores party platforms and social media.

S9·E11 Core

Tyler Perry

Oct 17, 2012

Mitt Romney's Benghazi accusations backfire, two-parent households fix gun problems, Congressman Scott DesJarlais flip-flops on abortion, and Tyler Perry talks "Madea.

S9·E12 Core

The Killers

Oct 18, 2012

A squirrel votes for Mitt Romney, a farmer puts candy in cow feed, Stephen reports on the world's only Corn Palace, and The Killers discuss their clean-cut reputation.

S9·E13 Core

Donald Sadoway

Oct 22, 2012

Colin Small trashes voter registrations, CEOs threaten personnel over the election, Andrew Cuomo seeks to decriminalize pot, and Donald Sadoway shares his battery brainchild.

S9·E14 Core

John Grisham

Oct 23, 2012

Mitt Romney's presidential smile wins out, undecided voters skip the debates, Lance Armstrong's doping taints his charity, and John Grisham writes about crooked lawyers.

S9·E15 Core

Anthony Everitt

Oct 24, 2012

Donald Trump wants Barack Obama's passport papers, Fox News rehashes the Benghazi attacks, Richard Mourdock justifies rape pregnancies, and Anthony Everitt talks Rome.

S9·E16 Core

Mitch Daniels

Oct 25, 2012

Ovulation cycles sway female voting, Tom Hanks concocts neutral Halloween costumes, and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels talks about his book, "Keeping the Republic.

S9·E17 Core

Lilly Ledbetter

Oct 31, 2012

Hurricane Sandy wreaks havoc on New Jersey, Mitt Romney hosts a relief rally, Donald Trump cuts Obama some slack, and Lilly Ledbetter explores gender pay discrimination.

S9·E18 Core

David Byrne & St. Vincent

Nov 1, 2012

Michael Bloomberg issues post-Sandy travel mandates, Mitt Romney sways Billy Graham on Mormonism, and music marvel David Byrne teams up with St. Vincent.

S9·E19 Core

Nate Silver

Nov 5, 2012

Colbert Super PAC inspires Mitt Romney, Sasha Issenberg talks data-driven politics, Joe Scarborough doubts liberal math models, and Nate Silver reviews election statistics.

S9·E21 Core

Doris Kearns Goodwin

Nov 7, 2012

Liberals and conservatives taint the election, Bill O'Reilly blames Romney's loss on non-whites, wind turbines affect mental health, and Doris Kearns Goodwin recites history.

S9·E22 Core

Rachel Maddow

Nov 8, 2012

New York experiences a nor'easter, an Albany strip club claims to sell art, platonic friends learn the scientific truth, and Rachel Maddow talks election night.

S9·E23 Core

Ken Burns

Nov 12, 2012

CIA Director David Petraeus steps down after an affair, Karl Rove faces angry benefactors, Jon Stewart assists Colbert Super PAC, and Ken Burns shares "The Central Park Five.

S9·E24 Core

Newt Gingrich

Nov 13, 2012

The media weighs presidential nominees for 2016, Sonia Sotomayor crushes girlish pipe dreams, and Newt Gingrich admits he guessed wrong about the election.

S9·E25 Core

Tony Kushner

Nov 14, 2012

"America Again" offends Canadians, Wall Street chucks its weakest link, Christopher Steiner reviews computer trading, and screenwriter Tony Kushner talks "Lincoln.

S9·E26 Core

Chris Stringer

Nov 15, 2012

Campbell's promotes soups for millennials, the Petraeus scandal escalates, meth protects against influenza, and Chris Stringer talks primitive humans.

S9·E27 Core

Jake Tapper

Nov 26, 2012

Shoppers break Black Friday records, the Supreme Court deliberates copyright law, Pope Benedict XVI modifies the nativity, and Jake Tapper discusses the Afghanistan War.

S9·E28 Core

Dolly Parton

Nov 27, 2012

Police bust a Canadian for lying about Santa, congressional Republicans abandon Grover Norquist, Reihan Salam describes Reagan's tax plan, and Dolly Parton promotes literacy.

S9·E29 Core

Frank Oz

Nov 28, 2012

Powerball sales skyrocket, Fox News explains why women can't get married, Harry Reid tries to curb filibusters, and Frank Oz talks Muppets.

S9·E30 Core

Sean Carroll

Nov 29, 2012

America foregoes a nuclear moon missile, Boeing blocks pension benefits to gay couples, Stephen pushes "America Again," and Sean Carroll explains the Higgs field.

S9·E31 Core

Ian McKellen

Dec 3, 2012

The Report hosts Hobbit Week, safer streets weaken a Republican wedge issue, medical grade sheds replace nursing homes, and Sir Ian McKellen prefers Gandalf the Grey.

S9·E32 Core

Martin Freeman

Dec 4, 2012

Hobbit Week continues with Bilbo Baggins, testosterone gels trigger family hair growth, morning sickness socks Kate Middleton, and Martin Freeman talks TV roles and Tolkien.

S9·E33 Core

Andy Serkis

Dec 5, 2012

Hobbit Week honors Denny's, the Senate votes down universal disability rights, and Andy Serkis compares "The Lord of the Rings" Gollum to "The Hobbit" Gollum.

S9·E34 Core

Peter Jackson

Dec 6, 2012

Hobbit Week ends, Stephen gets the Madame Tussauds treatment, and Peter Jackson receives clarification on Tolkien lore.

S9·E35 Core

Diana Krall

Dec 10, 2012

Fans lobby for Stephen's Senate appointment, David Petraeus declines a presidential proposal from Roger Ailes, and Diana Krall resists jazz standards.

S9·E36 Core

Malcolm Gladwell

Dec 11, 2012

Budget deal talks hit a wall, North Korea unearths a unicorn lair, California's ex-gay therapy ban meets resistance, and Malcolm Gladwell chats about man's best friend.

S9·E37 Core

Mandy Patinkin

Dec 12, 2012

"America Again" defeats Papa Bear's bestseller, Jeff Bingaman gives Stephen a Senate how-to, Fox News attacks the 9/11 site mosque, and Mandy Patinkin talks national security.

S9·E38 Core

Simone Campbell

Dec 13, 2012

Rockers raise money for Hurricane Sandy victims, Vince Gilligan leaks "Breaking Bad" footage, Colbert Super PAC money finds a home, and Simone Campbell talks social justice.

S9·E39 Core

Jimmy Wales

Jan 7, 2013

Republicans agree to tax the wealthy, a coin solves the debt ceiling debate, Bill O'Reilly insults Asians, and Jimmy Wales shares Wikipedia's next steps.

S9·E40 Core

Chris Kluwe

Jan 8, 2013

The Forever Stamp skyrockets in value, blood transfers boost health, the Senate looks into "Zero Dark Thirty," and Chris Kluwe defends same-sex marriage.

S9·E41 Core

Neil Shubin

Jan 9, 2013

Idaho builds a firearms village, the NRA solves gun violence with more guns, wheat addiction spirals, and Neil Shubin explores humans' shared history with rocks.

S9·E42 Core

Ben Gibbard

Jan 10, 2013

A man makes love to a couch, Obama flaunts his testosterone-filled Cabinet, Kevin Garnett hassles Carmelo Anthony, and musician Ben Gibbard grows up.

S9·E43 Core

Piers Morgan

Jan 14, 2013

Joe Biden develops gun law recommendations, Ted Nugent references Rosa Parks, a nonprofit disputes Vitaminwater, and Piers Morgan talks gun control.

S9·E44 Core

Jared Diamond

Jan 15, 2013

Lance Armstrong spends hours with Oprah, Stephen runs an Extra Special Report on Florida's mystery monkey, and Jared Diamond examines traditional New Guinea culture.

S9·E45 Core

Tom Brokaw

Jan 16, 2013

HSBC launders cartel money, Matt Taibbi chews out big banks, Pat Robertson educates "slatternly" wives, and Tom Brokaw tells the plight of second presidential terms.

S9·E46 Mytharc

Akhil Reed Amar

Jan 17, 2013

Subway cons consumers, President Obama tightens gun control, Megyn Kelly reveals her porn name, and Akhil Reed Amar shares his book, "America's Unwritten Constitution.

S9·E47 Core

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Jan 21, 2013

Obama launches the Presidential Pride Parade, Kate Middleton contaminates America, and Ta-Nehisi Coates reflects on Obama's second inauguration.

S9·E48 Core

Kathryn Bigelow

Jan 22, 2013

Obama obscures America's hopelessness in his speech, Republicans pursue advanced redistricting, Dustin Hoffman shrinks his cast, and Kathryn Bigelow talks "Zero Dark Thirty.

S9·E49 Core

Sally Field

Jan 23, 2013

Beyonce-Gate riles the media, Ayn Rand admirers find love, Virginia Republicans surprise Democrats with new districts, and Sally Field describes her character in "Lincoln.

S9·E50 Core

Tavi Gevinson

Jan 24, 2013

France sends troops into Mali, Edward Berenson outlines French martial history, Hillary Clinton answers questions about Benghazi, and Tavi Gevinson chats about "Rookie.

S9·E51 Core

Michael Shellenberger

Jan 28, 2013

The TSA abandons nude scanners, Australia and conservatives cope with climate change, North Korea goes after America, and Michael Shellenberger debates energy sources.

S9·E52 Core

George Saunders

Jan 29, 2013

Iran launches a monkey into space, states work to nullify Obama's gun grab, Cliff Sloan explains supreme law, Gitmo stays open, and George Saunders boasts about short stories.

S9·E53 Core

Bill Gates

Jan 30, 2013

Gay men stress less, Paul Clement defends DOMA in court, the KKK drops its racist message, and Bill Gates shares global health updates.

S9·E54 Core

Matthew Guerrieri

Jan 31, 2013

Super Bowl ads release teasers, Gatorade does away with BVO, a clever crow uses utensils, and Matthew Guerrieri explores Beethoven's cultural impact.

S9·E55 Core

Sonia Sotomayor

Feb 4, 2013

A blackout stalls the Super Bowl, Senate members tackle immigration reform, Obama claims to enjoy skeet shooting, and Justice Sonia Sotomayor details "My Beloved World.

S9·E56 Core

Julie Andrews

Feb 5, 2013

A parking lot covers up royal remains, CBS brings unemployment to reality TV, Californians thank a hatchet-armed hitchhiker, and Julie Andrews responds to kids' book critics.

S9·E57 Core

Lawrence Wright

Feb 6, 2013

Lobbyists try to save the penny, Elizabeth Colbert Busch takes on 16 GOP candidates, and Lawrence Wright confirms abuse within the Church of Scientology.

S9·E58 Core

Benh Zeitlin

Feb 7, 2013

A snowstorm slams the Northeast, Senator Stacey Campfield homes in on kids' sexuality, Facebook promotes hookups, and Benh Zeitlin explores Louisiana's Bathtub country.

S9·E59 Core

Garry Wills

Feb 11, 2013

The Bush family gets hacked, Pope Benedict becomes the first pope to resign in 717 years, Father Jim Martin details papal appointment, and Garry Wills talks priests.

S9·E60 Core

Roger Hodge

Feb 12, 2013

The GOP holds a conference to self-reflect, Karl Rove targets Tea Partiers, Steven Seagal trains volunteer gun posses, and Roger Hodge touts Southern literature.

S9·E61 Core

Dave Grohl

Feb 13, 2013

President Obama focuses on the middle class and infrastructure, Marc Rubio suffers from dry mouth, and Dave Grohl relives rock 'n' roll history.

S9·E62 Core

Gavin Newsom

Feb 14, 2013

A fertility feast leads to Valentine's Day, the Obama administration targets S&P, and "Citizenville" author Gavin Newsom brings government into the digital age.

S9·E63 Core

Emily Bazelon

Feb 19, 2013

A meteor streaks over Russia, Detroit gleans a libertarian investor, Obama goes golfing with Tiger Woods, and Emily Bazelon explores the culture of bullying.

S9·E64 Core

David Goldhill

Feb 20, 2013

The U.K. responds to a horse meat scare, Alexi Lalas assesses soccer match fixing, Norway celebrates firewood, and David Goldhill critiques health insurance.

S9·E65 Core

Lil Buck

Feb 21, 2013

A rumor links Chuck Hagel to a made-up Islamic group, for-profit incarceration teams up with football, MTV cons BET Twitter fans, and Lil Buck explains jookin.

S9·E66 Core

Simon Garfield

Feb 25, 2013

Michelle Obama crashes the Oscars, the CDC researches gun violence, sex scandal gossip plagues the Vatican, and Simon Garfield endorses handmade maps.

S9·E67 Core

Dr. Michio Kaku

Feb 26, 2013

Pope Benedict shares the Vatican with his successor, Jeremy Bird disrupts the natural order in Texas, Al Qaeda evades drone attacks, and Michio Kaku tracks asteroid paths.

S9·E68 Core

Paola Antonelli

Feb 27, 2013

Stephen endorses Halls cough drops, the government bugs Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's trial, John Kerry makes a case for dimwits, and Paola Antonelli shares the future of design.

S9·E69 Core

Jon Favreau

Feb 28, 2013

Pat Robertson confirms that demons occupy garments, shops sell Pope Benedict XVI memorabilia, federal spending cuts loom, and Jon Favreau describes speechwriting methods.

S9·E70 Core

Kirk Bloodsworth

Mar 4, 2013

Obama confuses "Star Wars" with "Star Trek," Stephen investigates scallop gonad research, Texas reconsiders gun training, and Kirk Bloodsworth opposes the death penalty.

S9·E71 Core

James Franco

Mar 5, 2013

Hugo Chavez passes away, Obama travels to Israel, Michael Oren discusses Iran, married couples retreat to Mars, and James Franco talks "Oz.

S9·E72 Core

Brendan O'Connell

Mar 6, 2013

The media introduces "Snowquester," Alabama calls the Voting Rights Act into question, Michael Bloomberg bans soda deliveries, and Wal-Mart inspires Brendan O'Connell.

S9·E73 Core

John Sexton

Mar 7, 2013

Rand Paul talks for 13 hours, North Korea creates an ominous music video, "The Bachelor" incites emotionally-charged staring, and John Sexton compares baseball and religion.

S9·E74 Core

Junot Diaz

Mar 25, 2013

The Vatican welcomes Pope Francis, Roma Downey stars in "The Bible," Trevor Potter memorializes Ham Rove, and Junot Diaz shares the Freedom University project.

S9·E75 Core

Eric Topol

Mar 26, 2013

Republicans contemplate a Celebrity Task Force, Senator Rob Portman flip-flops on gay marriage, and Eric Topol shares his book, "The Creative Destruction of Medicine.

S9·E76 Core

Carl Edgar Blake II

Mar 27, 2013

Papa Bear reassess gay marriage, scientists study Facebook "Likes," Tennessee lawmakers mistrust a mop sink, and Carl Edgar Blake II shows off his pigs.

S9·E77 Core

Robert Lustig

Mar 28, 2013

Same-sex marriage divides the Supreme Court, Emily Bazelon explains Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act, and Robert Lustig warns against sugar.

S9·E78 Core

Sigourney Weaver

Apr 1, 2013

Google pays tribute to Cesar Chavez, Pope Francis breaks a New Testament tradition, Tennessee uses a health care lottery, and Sigourney Weaver talks theater.

S9·E79 Core

Jim McGreevey

Apr 2, 2013

Sue Everhart warns of gay marriage fraud, Victor Cha dissects North Korea's bomb threats, Florida plans to outlaw bongs, and Jim McGreevey advocates in-prison rehab.

S9·E80 Core

A.C. Grayling

Apr 3, 2013

Mark Sanford runs against Elizabeth Colbert Busch, Louie Gohmert compares gun control to bestiality, the GOP surveys young people, and A.C. Grayling talks God and reason.

S9·E81 Core

Francis Collins

Apr 4, 2013

An Exxon pipeline bursts in Arkansas, Jeremy Irons compares gay marriage to incest, and NIH Director Francis Collins explains Obama's BRAIN Initiative.

S9·E82 Core

Bill Clinton

Apr 8, 2013

At the Clinton Global Initiative University Meeting, President Bill Clinton discusses foreign aid, poverty, TED Talks, Twitter and the Colbert Galactic Initiative.

S9·E83 Core

Charlie LeDuff

Apr 9, 2013

Stephen attends the Clinton Global Initiative University Exchange, Exxon sweeps oil into storm drains, and Charlie LeDuff shares his book, "Detroit: An American Autopsy.

S9·E84 Core

Shane Smith

Apr 10, 2013

The Navy builds a laser missile, Senate Republicans give in to gun control, Anthony Weiner ponders the mayoral race, and VICE cofounder Shane Smith talks storytelling.

S9·E85 Core

Cass Sunstein

Apr 11, 2013

NASA develops an asteroid lasso, Nick Gillespie talks about pot legalization, New York City targets filthy Times Square mascots, and Cass Sunstein slams the food pyramid.

S9·E86 Core

Caroline Kennedy

Apr 16, 2013

Terrorists attack the Boston Marathon, Canada manufactures Sexcereal, the Rollie Eggmaster cooks up gelatinous egg rods, and Caroline Kennedy recites poetry with Stephen.

S9·E87 Core

Alan Cumming

Apr 17, 2013

The media dreams up Boston bombing suspects, Adam Davidson explains Bitcoin, Brad Paisley makes a sucky song about racism, and Alan Cumming tackles an almost one-man play.

S9·E88 Core

Richard Engel

Apr 18, 2013

The New York Post misidentifies Boston Marathon suspects, Stephen debuts the Bucket, the Senate opposes gun background checks, and Richard Engel describes Syrian militias.

S9·E89 Core

Michael Pollan

Apr 22, 2013

The Boston manhunt ends, Canadian police expose an Al Qaeda plot, America's infrastructure earns a bad grade, and Michael Pollan describes the four ways of cooking.

S9·E90 Core

Eric Schmidt

Apr 23, 2013

Chris Christie is full of Scooby-Doo-doo, Thomas Herndon takes down Reinhart and Rogoff, and Google's Eric Schmidt talks digital identities.

S9·E91 Core

Danica Patrick

Apr 24, 2013

Twitter hackers trigger a market crash, Bill Clinton picks a dignified Twitter name, the Mars rover draws a penis in the sand, and NASCAR's Danica Patrick manages her rage.

S9·E92 Core

Gene Robinson

Apr 25, 2013

Stephen starts an "O" Book Club, Matt Cartwright speaks Spanish, Fox & Friends gets the word out about a guy singing like a canary, and Gene Robinson advocates gay rights.

S9·E93 Core

Iggy & the Stooges

Apr 29, 2013

Jason Collins comes out as gay, New Zealand sanctions same-sex marriage, conservatives get defensive, criminals turn to Yelp, and Iggy Pop performs shirtless.

S9·E94 Core

Evan Spiegel & Bobby Murphy

Apr 30, 2013

Congress disregards the Army's wishes, Iowa cracks illegal immigration, Budweiser encourages Facebook friendships, and Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy make photos disappear.

S9·E95 Core

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

May 1, 2013

A Newtown victim's daughter confronts Senator Kelly Ayotte, pro-gun senators lose voters' support, and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis share their album, "The Heist.

S9·E96 Core

Ben Kingsley

May 2, 2013

The Feds identify three accomplices in the Boston bombings, President Obama addresses the Gitmo hunger strike, and Sir Ben Kingsley chats about "Iron Man 3.

S9·E97 Mytharc

Robert Caro

May 6, 2013

Stephen plugs cOlbert's Book Club, conspiracy theorists explain the government's ammo purchases, dogs ride the Mary Jane train, and Robert Caro scares Republicans.

S9·E98 Core

Douglas Rushkoff

May 7, 2013

Fox News prepares for the Benghazi whistleblowers, Rep. Donna Edwards deals with a senile senior, teens amp up their promposals, and Douglas Rushkoff pinpoints the present.

S9·E99 Core

Richard Besser

May 8, 2013

Stephen's sister loses her run for Congress, Republicans spite Obama, parents forego diapers, and Richard Besser shares his book, "Tell Me the Truth, Doctor.

S9·E100 Core

Baz Luhrmann

May 9, 2013

Carey Mulligan divulges a dark secret, Jennifer Egan discusses "The Great Gatsby"'s place in American letters, and Baz Luhrmann pays homage to F. Scott Fitzgerald.

S9·E101 Core

Jessica Buchanan & Erik Landemalm

May 13, 2013

The Obama administration lies about Benghazi talking points, the IRS inspects Tea Party groups, and Jessica Buchanan and Erik Landemalm share their book, "Impossible Odds.

S9·E102 Core

Dan Brown

May 14, 2013

The House tries to repeal Obamacare again, an immigration study slams Hispanics, Maxim honors Miley Cyrus, and Dan Brown takes inspiration from Dante.

S9·E103 Core

Cyndi Lauper

May 15, 2013

The UN describes bugs as "mini-livestock," Congresswoman Gwen Moore rides shotgun, and Cyndi Lauper outlines her Broadway musical, "Kinky Boots.

S9·E104 Core

Daniel Lieberman

May 16, 2013

Congress peppers and grills Eric Holder, China seeks peace in the Middle East, a nonprofit provides access to printable guns, and Daniel Lieberman endorses toe shoes.

S9·E105 Core

David Sassoon

May 20, 2013

ABC's Jonathan Karl lies about the Benghazi scandal, Stephen applies for Tea Party tax exemption, and David Sassoon shares his e-book, "The Dilbit Disaster.

S9·E106 Core

Noah Feldman

May 21, 2013

Scientists solve the Irish potato famine mystery, pot boosts metabolism, Rep. Jeff Duncan plans to ban the census, and Noah Feldman describes the Cool War with China.

S9·E107 Core

The National

May 22, 2013

Lois Lerner won't spill the IRS scandal beans, Mitch McConnell endorses hemp, PBS appeases David Koch, and The National shares their album "Trouble Will Find Me.

S9·E108 Core

Christopher Chivers

May 23, 2013

Barack Obama addresses his usage of drones, Andrew Bacevich thinks war is bad, Pope Francis embraces atheists, and C.J. Chivers reports on Syrian rebels.

S9·E109 Core

John Dingell

Jun 3, 2013

Mark Pocan tempts Stephen with divorce, precision-guided guns promote skill-free killing, and John Dingell wants Congress to learn how to compromise.

S9·E110 Core

Alex Gibney

Jun 4, 2013

The Report pays tribute to Michele Bachmann, NASA researches printable food, the IRS invests in line dancing, and Alex Gibney explores WikiLeaks.

S9·E111 Core

Jonathan Alter

Jun 5, 2013

Superman gets a makeover, Laurie Garrett reviews Monsanto's wheat incident, the Chicago Sun-Times scraps photojournalism, and Jonathan Alter dissects the 2012 election.

S9·E113 Core

Dan Savage

Jun 10, 2013

The NSA whistleblower explains himself, violent protests break out in Turkey, missile launch officers dislike their jobs, and Dan Savage criticizes DOMA.

S9·E114 Core

Daniel Bergner

Jun 11, 2013

NSA Wiretapping Scandal, Jeffrey Rosen on the Fourth Amendment, TSA Detains Chewbacca, Daniel Bergner, "What Do Women Want?".

S9·E115 Core

Paul McCartney

Jun 12, 2013

The NSA builds a data compound, Paul McCartney describes his music career with The Beatles and Wings, and Michael Bloomberg's bike share "begrimes" New York.

S9·E116 Core

The Postal Service

Jun 19, 2013

Stephen honors his late mother, Cap'n Crunch lies about his rank, house flipping makes a comeback, and the Postal Service discusses their electronic music.

S9·E117 Core

Joss Whedon

Jun 20, 2013

Iran replaces outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Rep. Steve King opposes chicken cage laws, Nestle markets to higher-income women, and Joss Whedon talks Shakespeare.

S9·E118 Core

Andrew Solomon

Jun 24, 2013

NSA leaker Edward Snowden goes missing, Darrell Issa probes the IRS, news becomes truthinews, the KKK engineers a laser, and Andrew Solomon defines "exceptional" children.

S9·E119 Core

Peniel Joseph

Jun 25, 2013

The Supreme Court guts part of the Voting Rights Act, Brazilians protest government spending, and Peniel Joseph criticizes the Supreme Court's decision.

S9·E120 Core

Bill Moyers

Jun 26, 2013

Gay marriage gets a legal boost, Emily Bazelon analyzes the Supreme Court's decisions, and Bill Moyers chronicles the slow death of the American middle class.

S9·E121 Core

Chuck Schumer

Jun 27, 2013

Mayor Michael Bloomberg declares war on the 4th of July, the Senate enacts immigration reform, and Senator Chuck Schumer talks tattoos and gang signs.

S9·E122 Core

Jeremy Scahill

Jul 15, 2013

A Florida jury acquits George Zimmerman, Stephen inspects a SkyMiles scandal, Asiana Airlines sues KTVU over made-up pilot names, and Jeremy Scahill criticizes drone strikes.

S9·E123 Core

David Karp

Jul 16, 2013

Britain prepares for the royal baby, George Zimmerman protestors sing instead of riot, NPR critiques multitaskers, and David Karp promises not to police Tumblr.

S9·E124 Core

Jerry Seinfeld

Jul 17, 2013

Rolling Stone features the Boston bombing suspect, Congress removes food stamps from the farm bill, and Jerry Seinfeld shares his series, "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.

S9·E125 Core

Jeff Bridges

Jul 18, 2013

Edward Snowden seeks asylum in Russia, San Diego's mayor faces sexual harassment charges, Eliot Spitzer runs for NYC comptroller, and Jeff Bridges shares his film, "R.I.P.D.

S9·E126 Core

Kjerstin Gruys

Jul 22, 2013

Kate Middleton delivers her baby, Geraldo Rivera tweets a naked selfie, fast food workers protest the minimum wage, and Kjerstin Gruys examines body image issues.

S9·E127 Core

Kenneth Goldsmith

Jul 23, 2013

The Prince of Wails is born, George Zimmerman helps a family in need, Barack Obama empathizes with black men, and poet Kenneth Goldsmith revisits seven U.S. tragedies.

S9·E128 Core

Anant Agarwal

Jul 24, 2013

The royal couple name their baby George, Anthony Weiner apologizes for his latest sexts, Kanye West designs a blank t-shirt, and Anant Agarwal discusses his nonprofit, edX.

S9·E129 Core

Olympia Snowe

Jul 25, 2013

An MC crashes the royal birth, Detroit files for bankruptcy, Steve King incites Jorge Ramos, and Olympia Snowe shares her book, "Fighting for Common Ground".

S9·E130 Core

The Lumineers

Jul 29, 2013

FreedomWorks burns fake Obama insurance cards, North Carolina allows concealed weapons in bars, and the Lumineers share their self-titled debut album.

S9·E131 Core

Atul Gawande

Jul 30, 2013

Surgeon and writer Atul Gawande discusses his New Yorker article "Slow Ideas."

S9·E132 Core

Emily Matchar

Jul 31, 2013

Bradley Manning is found not guilty, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have lunch, Chris Christie and Rand Paul feud, and Emily Matchar shares the "new domesticity".

S9·E133 Core

Bryan Cranston

Aug 1, 2013

Russia protects Edward Snowden, Mayor Bob Filner blames San Diego for his sexual misconduct, Gitmo prisoners read erotic romance, and Bryan Cranston talks meth and Malcolm.

S9·E134 Core

Hugh Laurie

Aug 5, 2013

The U.S. government warns of a looming terror threat somewhere, Alex Rodriguez gets suspended for doping, and Hugh Laurie shares his blues album, "Didn't It Rain".

S9·E135 Core

Robin Thicke

Aug 6, 2013

Daft Punk abandons StePhest Colbchella '013, Stephen angers his Hyundai sponsors, and "Blurred Lines" singer Robin Thicke saves Stephen's career.

S9·E136 Core

Ashton Kutcher

Aug 7, 2013

Online critics bash StePhest Colbchella '013, union activist Mary Kay Henry supports fast-food strikers, the SEC comes down on a trader, and Ashton Kutcher talks "Jobs.

S9·E137 Core

Colum McCann

Aug 8, 2013

CNN's doctor switches his position on pot, Matt Damon comes to Stephen's rescue, Darrell Issa wants ocean waters named after Reagan, and Colum McCann talks "TransAtlantic.

S9·E138 Core

Sheldon Whitehouse

Aug 12, 2013

The Today Show features twerking, Senator Rush Holt champions public education, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse chats about his book, "On Virtues.

S9·E139 Core

John Lewis

Aug 13, 2013

Mayor Mike Bloomberg defends New York's stop-and-frisk, the TSA expands its duties, and Congressman John Lewis chats about his graphic novel, "March".

S9·E140 Core

Kevin Spacey

Aug 14, 2013

Russia's anti-gay laws affect Olympic athletes, Obama hires psychologists to "nudge" public opinion, and Kevin Spacey talks "House of Cards".

S9·E141 Core

Richard Brodhead

Aug 15, 2013

A rodeo clown wears an Obama mask, fracking companies put gag orders on families, Obama talks NSA transparency, and Professor Richard Brodhead promotes the humanities.

S9·E142 Core

Timothy Cardinal Dolan

Sep 3, 2013

Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad employs chemical weapons, The Daily Show gets Jon back, Rep. Dan Kildee promotes sugar beets, and Timothy Cardinal Dolan examines the papacy.

S9·E143 Core

Gary England

Sep 4, 2013

Barack Obama endorses military action in Syria, The New Yorker's Steve Coll unpacks the president's decision, and meteorologist Gary England talks twisters.

S9·E144 Core

John Prine

Sep 5, 2013

Ariel Castro commits suicide, kittens close down the NYC subway, Stephen assigns reading for cOlbert's Book Club, and John Prine shares his folk album, "The Missing Years.

S9·E145 Core

Billie Jean King

Sep 9, 2013

Americans oppose military action in Syria, Fox News dreams up "Super Reagan," Iowa grants gun permits to blind people, and Billie Jean King recalls the "Battle of the Sexes.

S9·E147 Core

Sheryl Crow

Sep 11, 2013

New York City holds the mayoral primary, Syria agrees to surrender its chemical weapons, Rand Paul flip-flops, and Sheryl Crow discusses her album, "Feels Like Home.

S9·E148 Core

Philip Mudd

Sep 12, 2013

The New York Times prints Vladimir Putin's op-ed on Syria, Rep. Jim McDermott defends gay rights, and Philip Mudd shares his book, "Takedown: Inside the Hunt for Al Qaeda.

S9·E149 Core

Andrew Bacevich

Sep 16, 2013

Stephen honors the Lehman Brothers, pundits criticize government "moochers," Miss America receives racist comments, and Andrew Bacevich shares his book, "Breach of Trust.

S9·E150 Core

Arne Duncan

Sep 17, 2013

Billionaires get left behind, Kanye West performs for Kazakhstan's controversial leader, Cheerios cashes in on death, and Arne Duncan endorses early education.

S9·E151 Core

Nicholson Baker

Sep 18, 2013

Andrew Sullivan supports U.N. intervention in Syria, conservatives attack gun violence in video games, and Nicholson Baker shares his book, "Traveling Sprinkler.

S9·E152 Core

Jack Johnson

Sep 19, 2013

Michelle Obama promotes H2O, Republicans regulate Obamacare navigators, Jihawg Ammo makes bacon bullets, and Jack Johnson shares his album, "From Here to Now to You.

S9·E153 Core

Metallica

Sep 24, 2013

Jon Stewart congratulates Stephen on his Emmys, Pope Francis speaks out on Catholic teachings, and Metallica presents its film, "Metallica: Through the Never.

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