Stephen Colbert to Guest Star as Late-Night Host on CBS Crime Comedy ‘Elsbeth’

Stephen Colbert is taking his hosting skills to another CBS property.

The “Late Show” helmsman will guest star in an upcoming episode of the crime comedy series “Elsbeth,” appearing as a late-night frontman, Variety has confirmed.

A CBS rep declined Variety‘s request for comment.

While it’s unknown how Colbert will fit into the weekly mystery, the details of his role have been made public. He will play the leading man of the fictional late-night talk show “Way Late with Scotty Bristol,” according to Vulture, which first reported Colbert’s involvement.

While the episode was filmed this week, Colbert’s “Elsbeth” role has long been in the works, kick-started by an appearance from series star Wendell Pierce on “The Late Show.”

During Pierce’s interview with Colbert, the late-night host said he had asked CBS to play a corpse on one of the network’s crime procedurals. Upon hearing this, Pierce offered to help. He told Colbert, “I can make that happen. I know a guy who knows a guy. We can get you on.” The “deal” came right as “Elsbeth” was picked up for a third season.

Elsbeth was created by Robert and Michelle King, and stars Carrie Preston in her “The Good Wife” role, along with Pierce. Other notable guest stars from past seasons include Nathan Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Laura Benanti, Matthew Broderick and Retta.

CBS announced in July that “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” would end after the next TV season. While the network cited the move as a “financial decision,” some speculated the cancellation was to appease a Donald Trump-controlled FCC amid a merger between Paramount, CBS’ parent company, and Skydance.