S1·E31 Hillary Clinton, Anthony Bourdain, Carrie Brownstein

Episode recap

The episode identified as season 1, episode 31 of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert opens with a musical interlude in which singer‑songwriter Lianne La Havas joins the house band and provides live accompaniment. The performance sets a tonal bridge between the show’s comedy framework and the forthcoming interview segments.

Following the musical piece, former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton appears as a guest. In her conversation with Colbert, Clinton reflects on the arc of her presidential campaign, offering insights into the strategies she employed, the challenges she faced, and the broader political context of the race. The discussion remains focused on her campaign experience without extending into unrelated topics.

The next guest, chef, author and television personality Anthony Bourdain, joins the program to talk about his acclaimed travel series Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Bourdain provides commentary on the series’ exploration of global cuisines and cultures, describing the motivations behind its conception and the impact it has had on viewers. He also introduces his newly released graphic novel Get Jiro, outlining the book’s premise and the creative process that led to its development.

Carrie Brownstein, musician and writer, is the final guest featured in the episode. Brownstein discusses her recently published memoir Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl, delving into the personal narratives that shaped the work and the themes she explores regarding identity, creativity, and the experience of growing up in a particular cultural milieu.

Throughout the episode, Colbert’s interview style blends humor with earnest inquiry, allowing each guest to elaborate on the projects that define their current public presence. The episode concludes after Brownstein’s segment, returning to the show’s regular format. The combination of a live musical performance and three distinct interview conversations creates a varied yet cohesive installment within the first season of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.