S3·E118 Aubrey Plaza/Cookie Monster/Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Episode recap

The episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that is catalogued as season 3, episode 118 presents a blend of guest interview, a themed segment, and a musical performance, all framed by the program’s characteristic satirical tone. Host Stephen Colbert, whose role on the series is to deliver comedy and commentary, welcomes actress Aubrey Plaza as the principal guest. Plaza is identified in the episode’s synopsis by her recent credits in the television series Legion (2017) and the film An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn (2018). The presence of Plaza signals a standard interview portion in which Colbert engages the guest in conversation, drawing on her recent work and broader career, while maintaining the show’s comedic style.

Following the interview, the episode features a segment titled “Midnight Confessions.” In this installment, the iconic Sesame Street character Cookie Monster appears alongside Stephen Colbert. The synopsis links Cookie Monster to the book The Joy of Cookies, indicating that the segment likely references that publication as part of the character’s participation. The “Midnight Confessions” format typically involves candid or humorous revelations, and the inclusion of Cookie Monster suggests a playful twist on the segment’s usual tone.

The musical portion of the broadcast is provided by the band Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The synopsis notes that the group performs, confirming that the episode includes a live musical set consistent with the show’s format of featuring contemporary artists. No additional details about the setlist or performance style are supplied, but the band’s appearance fulfills the program’s tradition of concluding with a musical act that showcases current popular music.

Overall, the episode adheres to the established structure of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: an opening monologue delivered by the host, a guest interview with Aubrey Plaza, a themed “Midnight Confessions” segment featuring Cookie Monster, and a concluding performance by Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The combination of a film‑ and television‑savvy actress, a beloved children’s character linked to a recent book, and an indie‑rock band reflects the show’s blend of pop‑culture references, humor, and live entertainment.