It’s not clear when Colbert himself agreed to book the episode, but while interviewing Elsbeth co-star Wendell Pierce on The Late Show in February, the host said he had been telling his CBS bosses that he very much wanted to make an appearance on Elsbeth,

Late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Jon Stewart, and John Oliver attended Colbert’s show last Monday to show their support. Adam Sandler, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Andy Cohen, and Anderson Cooper were also there, and a crowd of protesters gathered outside the Ed Sullivan Theater (where The Late Show films) to stand against Paramount’s decision.

Adam Sandler, Anderson Cooper, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver and Andy Cohen were among those who made surprise appearances on Monday's episode after CBS announced that the late night show would be ending in May 2026.