“‘Sometimes, You Just Have to Get Out’ — Colbert’s Post-CBS Partnership With Jasmine Crockett Is Already Shaking Late Night, but Is It Too Bold to Survive?”

A Shock Exit No One Saw Coming

When CBS abruptly canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, industry insiders assumed the late-night host would take a long break before reemerging. Colbert had been a fixture of the network’s lineup for years, blending sharp political satire with an approachable humor that drew millions of loyal viewers.

But instead of retreating from the spotlight, Colbert made a move that few could have predicted: he partnered with Texas congresswoman Jasmine Crockett to launch a new, unscripted late-night show.

“Sometimes, You Just Have to Get Out”

Speaking at a private press event ahead of the premiere, Colbert explained his decision to walk away — or, depending on who you ask, to be pushed.

“Sometimes, you just have to get out before the walls close in,” Colbert said. “If CBS had known what I was planning next, they never would have let me go.”

That “next” is a weekly, hour-long program called After Hours with Colbert & Crockett, filmed in front of a live audience but with no network oversight, no commercial breaks, and a promise: no topic is off-limits.

An Unlikely Duo

On paper, Colbert and Crockett seem like an unusual pairing. Colbert is a comedy veteran with decades of television experience; Crockett is a rising political figure known for her direct, uncompromising style.

But that contrast is the point. In early development meetings, the two realized they could combine their strengths — Colbert’s comedic timing and Crockett’s willingness to say what others won’t — to create something entirely new.

“Late night got too safe,” Crockett said during a rehearsal break. “Everyone’s afraid to lose advertisers. We’re not even playing that game.”

A Format That Breaks the Mold

After Hours isn’t a traditional talk show. Each episode is divided into three loose segments:

The Cold Open — Instead of scripted monologues, Colbert and Crockett react to the week’s biggest stories in real time, often with audience participation.

The Deep Dive — A longform discussion with a guest — political leaders, activists, artists — without the time constraints of a commercial network.

The Wild Card — A surprise segment that could be anything from a satirical field piece to an unfiltered roundtable debate.

The show is streamed live online and released in full on major platforms the next day.

Industry Reaction: “They’re Playing With Fire”

The entertainment industry is watching closely. Some see the venture as a revolutionary shake-up that could redefine what late night looks like in the streaming era. Others view it as a high-risk gamble that could alienate mainstream audiences and potential sponsors.

An unnamed former CBS executive told Variety:

“Colbert was already pushing boundaries on The Late Show, but there was still a safety net. This? This is walking the tightrope without one. If they succeed, they change the game. If they fail, it’ll be fast and public.”

Fan Buzz

Since the announcement, fan forums have lit up. Longtime Colbert viewers are thrilled to see him free from network constraints. Crockett’s supporters see the partnership as a bold platform for the congresswoman’s unapologetic voice.

Clips from the pilot taping leaked on social media show the duo grilling a tech CEO about labor practices, then seguing seamlessly into a comedic riff on “corporate buzzword bingo.”

Why CBS Might Regret It

Inside CBS, sources say there’s already quiet frustration. The Late Show had been struggling to maintain ratings against Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, but Colbert’s loyal audience was still a valuable asset.

One producer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:

“If we’d known he’d bounce back this fast — and with a show people are already calling ‘must-watch’ — the cancellation decision might have been different.”

Crockett’s Calculated Risk

For Crockett, the leap into entertainment carries its own risks. She remains an active congresswoman, and political opponents are already framing the show as a distraction.

She brushes off the criticism.

“I’ve been underestimated my whole career. I can write legislation in the morning, shoot a show at night, and still sleep just fine.”

The Premiere Episode

The first episode of After Hours opened with Colbert and Crockett walking on stage together, no announcer, no theme music — just a standing ovation.

They launched straight into unscripted banter about the week’s news before introducing their first guest: an investigative journalist who had just broken a major corruption story. The segment ran nearly 20 minutes, uninterrupted, with Colbert’s humor lightening the tension and Crockett drilling into policy implications.

The “Wild Card” segment featured a live audience game: “Spin the Wheel of Forbidden Topics,” landing on “Campaign Finance,” which turned into a rapid-fire exchange between the hosts and audience members.

Critical Response

Early reviews have been strong. The Hollywood Reporter praised the chemistry between Colbert and Crockett as “electric,” while Rolling Stone called the show “the first late-night program in years that feels truly unpredictable.”

Not everyone is convinced. Some critics argue that without commercial breaks or tighter editing, segments occasionally run too long. Others warn that the political slant could limit the show’s reach.

Monetization Without Selling Out

Without a network, the show is funded through a mix of subscription revenue, merchandise, and carefully chosen sponsors aligned with the show’s values. Colbert and Crockett have veto power over every ad.

“If we can’t say it with a straight face,” Colbert explained, “we’re not cashing the check.”

What’s Next

The duo has already booked a diverse lineup for the next month: a climate scientist, a Grammy-winning musician, a whistleblower from the finance sector, and — in what they promise will be “chaotic but necessary” — a joint appearance by two political rivals who haven’t shared a stage in years.

Will It Survive?

Whether After Hours becomes a long-running hit or a short-lived experiment will depend on how well it balances its rebellious energy with consistent quality.

But for now, Colbert and Crockett seem unfazed by the pressure.

“Late night was getting stale,” Colbert said as the premiere wrapped. “We’re here to shake it like a snow globe and see what happens.”

Crockett grinned beside him.

“And if the glass breaks? Even better.”

The Bottom Line

What began as a shock cancellation has transformed into one of the most talked-about launches in years. With After Hours, Stephen Colbert and Jasmine Crockett aren’t just entering the late-night arena — they’re tearing up the rulebook.

CBS may have let Colbert go, but if early buzz is any indication, they may spend years wishing they hadn’t.