Stephen Colbert Guests May 5, 2026

Episode clips

Barack Obama

Barack Obama tours the new Obama Presidential Center, explains its place in a larger democratic story and discusses limits on presidential power and the Democratic Party’s direction. He also considers alien contact before losing a wastepaper-basketball rematch to Stephen Colbert.

Interview

What Powers Should The President Not Have? Former President Obama Weighs In

Barack Obama previews the Obama Presidential Center and explains how its South Side location connects his family and political life to Chicago. He says the museum should place his presidency within the country’s broader democratic struggle, then argues that presidents should not politicize prosecutions or the military, pardon donors or maintain business side hustles while in office.

Interview

"Yes We Can" Signs, A Nobel Prize, And Other Cool Items On Display At The Obama Presidential Center

Barack Obama tours the Obama Presidential Center museum and says its artifacts should inspire visitors to see themselves as the force behind political and community change. He shows Stephen Colbert his Nobel Prize, campaign sneakers and early Airbnb cereal boxes, jokes about the tan-suit controversy and introduces young leaders whose work the center’s foundation supports.

Interview

"I Would Be A Good Emissary For The Planet" - President Obama Is Ready For Contact With Alien Life

Barack Obama discusses the Democratic Party’s future, saying ideological labels matter less than shared goals and the ability to explain policies such as affordable housing in plain language. He denies the government is hiding aliens, volunteers to serve as Earth’s first-contact emissary and says the presidential center should inspire young people to improve their communities.

Sketch

Stephen Colbert Addresses The Nation From President Obama's Oval Office

Stephen Colbert delivers a mock presidential address from the replica Oval Office at the Obama Presidential Center, tries the desk phone and imitates Barack Obama ordering seven almonds. The real Obama then interrupts and proves his identity by objecting when Colbert calls him Barack.

Game/Bit

President Obama vs. Stephen Colbert: Wastepaper Basketball Oval Office (Replica) Rematch

Barack Obama and Stephen Colbert stage a wastepaper basketball rematch in the replica Oval Office at the presidential center. Colbert defeats the former president for a second time and presents a runner-up trophy, while Obama predicts another rematch and agrees to give the trophy a place of honor.

Other episode clips

Monologue

Presidential Fitness | Hegseth's Bubble | Trump's War Is Bad For Business | Met Gala's Wild Looks

Stephen Colbert covers the Iran war and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, mocking Donald Trump’s remarks to children, Pete Hegseth’s promised protective “bubble” for shipping and reports of kamikaze dolphins. He also traces the conflict’s economic effects on gas, Domino’s and airline service before reviewing the Met Gala’s extravagant looks.

FAQ

Who were the guests on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on May 5, 2026?

Barack Obama was a guest on this episode.

When did this episode air?

May 5, 2026.