<P> In April 2016, former CBS This Morning executive producer Chris Licht was named showrunner for The Late Show; CBS had shown concerns that, despite improved ratings in comparison to Letterman's tenure, Colbert had a weak online presence in comparison to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Colbert's lead - out The Late Late Show with James Corden (whose "Carpool Karaoke" segments have been popular as viral videos). The Hollywood Reporter believed that Licht's experience in news programming would be leveraged to complement Colbert's strengths in topical and news - oriented material . </P> <P> Colbert originally started the show with a cold open and brief monologue before the opening sequence, which uses tilt--shift photography of day and night New York City scenes that make the city appear like a miniature model . During the opening sequence, a voice - over announces the night's guests . Starting with the April 18, 2016 broadcast, the first under new showrunner Chris Licht, the format was modified to replace the cold open monologue with short sketches starring Colbert, his staff, and often featuring that night's guests, followed by the opening sequence and Colbert entering the stage . Starting with the coverage of the Republican National Convention in July 2016, a new opening has debuted which starts off with writer Jen Spyra taking on the role of announcer--becoming the first female announcer in broadcast, late - night television--and announcing "It's The Late Show With Stephen Colbert!" to scenes of New York City at night including Yankee Stadium, Times Square and the New York City Subway, with names of the night's guests imposed on various places . This structure is similar to the openings of other late - night shows such as The Tonight Show or Late Night . Similar to The Colbert Report, graphics that resemble the American Flag have also been added . </P> <P> The open is followed by an extended fake news style desk sequence with a run - through of recent headlines, in a manner reminiscent of television newscasts and that of The Colbert Report . Also, the show follows the same basic format as other late - night talk shows including the use of sketch comedy, guest interviews and musical performances . Colbert's guest list includes more political and government figures than his contemporaries; his first two weeks' guests included visits from Jeb Bush, Joe Biden, Ban Ki - moon, Stephen Breyer, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Donald Trump, and Ted Cruz . </P> <P> Thus far, Colbert has not had any of his staff act as a sidekick or straight man on the show . While Colbert dances and physically interacts with Jon Batiste while the band plays, they only occasionally engage in on - air banter, unlike David Letterman's relationship with Paul Shaffer or the relationship of other late night hosts with their announcers or bandleaders . After the first few episodes in which Colbert introduced himself, he now uses an off - screen announcer . Occasionally, Colbert has brought out producers of his show, or enlisted the help of audience members, who assume a sidekick - like role for single segments, engaging in light dialogue about a topic . </P>

When does the late show with stephen colbert tape