Stephen Colbert Shocks Fans — The Late Show Is Coming Back Much Sooner Than Anyone Expected. L2

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is coming back to CBS sooner than expected. The late-night show will cut its hiatus short, returning with an all-star lineup of guests in the coming days.

The show’s first fall hiatus began this week as The Late Show went dark with repeat episodes for the week of October 6. It came a little earlier than in previous years, putting some fans on edge given the uncertainties in late-night and Colbert’s time on The Late Show limited.

However, a press release from CBS confirms that Stephen Colbert will be back in the Ed Sullivan Theater with new episodes beginning Monday, October 13. That’s a little surprising considering Monday is Columbus Day. Other late-night shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers, are set to be off for that entire week.

It means Colbert will have even more attention on him than usual as one of the only voices in late-night TV next week. Expect him to weigh in on the ongoing government shutdown, Attorney General Pam Bondi’s senate testimony, and any other stories he missed this week or that pop up over the weekend.

Colbert’s first episode back on October 13 will feature Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter as the top guests. The duo behind the cult classic Bill & Ted franchise are now out promoting their starring roles in a Broadway production of Waiting for Godot. J.I.D. will be the musical guest.

On Tuesday, October 14, Colbert welcomes Bette Midler. The iconic entertainer always seens a spike in interest this month thanks to Hocus Pocus. And a recent Instagram post from MIdler has fans speculating on a potential third installment. Then, DMV star and Saturday Night Live alum Tim Meadows joins the show.

Wednesday night, Colbert will interview CNN anchor Anderson Cooper for what should be an interesting deep dive into the headlines. Stick around to see actor Mason Thames discuss his upcoming projects Regretting You and Black Phone 2.

Actor Nick Offerman stops by on Thursday, October 16 to talk about Little Woodchucks, his children’s book all about woodworking. He and Colbert will also revive the Late Show bit “Community Calendar.” A cooking demonstration with chef José Andrés is also on the schedule, while Nathaniel Rateliff sits in with Louis Cato and the Late Show Band.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs nightly on CBS at 11:35 p.m. ET.