S1·E1 George Clooney, Jeb Bush, Jon Batiste & Stay Human

Episode recap

The premiere episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert opens with the host delivering a rendition of “The Star‑Spangled Anthem,” a performance that concludes with an unexpected cameo by Jon Stewart, who appears as an umpire and shouts the phrase “Play ball!” Following this introductory segment, Colbert introduces a recurring comedic bit in which he permits himself to consume a single Oreo cookie while presenting a single news story about Donald Trump. The segment quickly escalates as the host abandons the restraint, consuming multiple Oreo cookies and displaying a series of additional Trump‑related news items, creating a chaotic and self‑referential commentary on media saturation.

The episode’s interview portion features two high‑profile guests. Actor George Clooney appears to discuss his professional trajectory, reflecting on his body of work and promoting a project described as his “new movie,” titled Decision Strike. The conversation provides insight into Clooney’s career choices and the thematic premise of the upcoming film, as presented by the host. In a separate interview, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush joins the program to talk about his presidential campaign, offering perspectives on his political platform and the status of his bid for the nation’s highest office.

Musical entertainment is provided by Jon Batiste and his ensemble Stay Human, who lead a collaborative performance of the classic song “Everyday People.” The musical number is distinguished by the participation of a cast of celebrities who join the band on stage, contributing vocals and instrumentation to the rendition. The episode blends political satire, celebrity interview, and musical interludes, establishing the tone and format that Colbert intends for the series. Throughout the broadcast, the host’s blend of humor, improvisation, and commentary sets a precedent for the show’s approach to current events and popular culture.