S3·E117 Diane Sawyer/Joshua Jackson/John Prine ft. Sturgill Simpson & Brandi Carlile

Episode recap

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert returned for its third season with episode 117, a program that continued the series’ blend of satire, interview, and live music. Hosted by Stephen Colbert, whose style is described as “signature satire and comedy,” the episode opened in the customary manner for the CBS talk‑show, with Colbert delivering a monologue that set the tone for the evening’s conversation and performance segments.

The first guest segment featured veteran journalist Diane Sawyer. Sawyer’s presence underscored the show’s tradition of welcoming prominent figures from news media, allowing Colbert to engage her on topics drawn from her long career in journalism. Following the interview, the episode welcomed actor Joshua Jackson, noted for his role in the television series The Affair (2014). Jackson’s appearance provided an opportunity for Colbert to discuss the actor’s recent work and experiences in the entertainment industry.

The musical portion of the broadcast highlighted folk‑rock legend John Prine, who performed alongside contemporary artists Sturgill Simpson and Brandi Carlile. The collaboration brought together Prine’s storied songwriting with Simpson’s and Carlile’s distinct vocal styles, delivering a live performance that fit the show’s established format of featuring current musical talent. The segment was presented as a stand‑alone musical piece, showcasing the artists’ combined repertoire.

Throughout the episode, the structure adhered to the program’s established pattern: an opening monologue, one‑on‑one interviews with notable guests, and a concluding musical act. By featuring a distinguished journalist, a well‑known television actor, and a celebrated singer‑songwriter with two acclaimed collaborators, episode 117 offered viewers a mix of current cultural conversation and live music, consistent with The Late Show’s reputation for blending humor, topical discussion, and performance. The episode was catalogued on The Movie Database (TMDB) as part of the series’ 2015‑present run, classified as a TV‑14 comedy and talk show.