S3·E156 Natalie Portman/Marc Maron/Alt-J/Pusha T

Episode recap

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s third‑season installment, episode 156, opens with Stephen Colbert delivering his customary opening monologue, using his trademark satirical style to comment on recent news and cultural moments. Following the monologue, the program moves to its first guest interview segment. Actress Natalie Portman appears on the set; the conversation references her involvement in the 2017 documentary film Eating Animals, highlighting her advocacy and the themes explored in that project. Colbert and Portman discuss her career and the issues raised by the documentary, allowing her to elaborate on the motivations behind her participation.

The episode then proceeds to a second interview segment featuring actor Marc Maron. Maron is identified in connection with the 2017 television series GLOW, and the dialogue centers on his experiences working on that show. The interview provides Maron an opportunity to reflect on his role and the broader context of the series, while Colbert engages with him in the program’s characteristic blend of humor and inquiry.

After the interview portions, the show transitions to its musical component. The British indie‑rock band Alt‑J takes the stage to perform a live set, delivering a selection of their material to the studio audience. Their performance is followed by a set from hip‑hop artist Pusha T, who likewise presents a live rendition of his work. Both musical acts are presented in the Late Show’s standard performance format, with the artists accompanied by the program’s house band.

Throughout the episode, the structure adheres to the established Late Show template: opening monologue, guest interviews, and musical performances. The presence of Natalie Portman, Marc Maron, Alt‑J, and Pusha T provides a blend of cinematic, television, and musical content, reflecting the show’s aim to combine topical comedy with cultural conversation. The episode concludes with Colbert’s closing remarks, rounding out a typical Late Show broadcast that balances humor, interview, and live music.