S2·E59 John Goodman, Denée Benton, Norah Jones

Episode recap

The Late Show with Stephen Colletter aired its second‑season, fifty‑ninth episode under the title “Christmas is Now.” The program opened with Stephen Colbert’s customary monologue, setting a holiday tone that carried through the evening’s segments. The first guest, actor John Goodman, joined Colbert for a conversation centered on the film Patriots Day. Goodman offered his perspective on the movie’s subject matter, and the discussion highlighted the relevance of the film’s themes during the season’s reflective atmosphere.

Following Goodman’s interview, actress and singer Denée Benton appeared as the next guest. Benton’s segment focused on her involvement with the musical Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. The dialogue explored the production’s artistic ambitions and its place within the broader theatrical landscape, providing viewers with insight into the creative process behind the acclaimed stage work.

The episode concluded with a musical performance by singer‑songwriter Norah Jones. Jones took the stage to deliver a rendition of “Peace,” a track from her album Day Breaks. The performance was presented in the show’s standard live‑music format, allowing the audience to experience the song’s gentle arrangement within the festive context of the broadcast.

Throughout the hour, Colbert’s hosting style blended humor with sincere appreciation for the guests’ contributions to film, theater, and music. The holiday framing of “Christmas is Now” linked the varied content—film discussion, theatrical insight, and a soothing musical number—into a cohesive celebration of artistic expression during the season. The episode’s structure adhered to the series’ established format of monologue, interview, and live performance, delivering a concise yet varied look at contemporary cultural works while maintaining the festive spirit implied by its title.