Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Guest: Carrie Preston | Topic: ‘Elsbeth’
Air Date: October 4, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features Emmy Award-winning actress Carrie Preston, best known for her roles in My Best Friend's Wedding, True Blood, The Holdovers, and as the titular character in CBS's hit show Elsbeth. The conversation dives into the third season of Elsbeth, memorable guest stars (including host Stephen Colbert himself appearing as a murder victim), and behind-the-scenes moments with actors and writers. The tone is witty and warm, capturing the camaraderie between Colbert and Preston while giving fans a delightful peek into the world of the show and television production.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Stephen Colbert Guest Stars as a Talk Show Host (and Murder Victim!)

• Colbert discusses his excitement about guest starring on Elsbeth, especially getting to play a murder victim, a long-standing dream for him.
• Carrie shares how thrilled the production team was to have Colbert join, especially during a tight shooting schedule.

"I kept on asking CBS, 'Can I be a spoiler?' Because Elsbeth is not a whodunit, it’s 'How’d she figure it out?'"
— Stephen Colbert [06:18]

• Humorously, Colbert recalls having to be seduced by Amy Sedaris’ character, despite Sedaris being “like a sister” to him, which made it “truly upsetting” but ultimately fun and memorable.

"At one point, Amy Sedaris, who I have known since I was 24. She’s like my sister. She seduces me at one point...and that was truly upsetting.”
— Stephen Colbert [07:27]

The Joys and Jitters of Working with Friends

• Preston expresses admiration and gratitude for working alongside Colbert and Amy Sedaris, both of whom she describes as living up to her highest hopes as collaborators.
• Amy Sedaris’ generosity and quirky spirit are highlighted through a heartwarming anecdote about her gifting costume jewelry to a guest star’s daughter.

"She pulls out this heart-shaped box...and inside there are rows of these costume jewelry rings...She goes, 'Pick one for your daughter—she’s going to love it.'”
— Carrie Preston [08:19]

• The playful banter showcases the real affection among the group, reinforcing the family-like bonds formed on set.

Sharing the Spotlight with Family — Working with Michael Emerson

• Preston talks candidly about the “nerve-wracking” experience of acting alongside her husband Michael Emerson, especially balancing being a “hostess” and supportive spouse on set.
• Emerson, celebrated for playing sinister characters, brings a different energy when working with Preston, and the two reminisce about their varied on-screen relationships—including a flashback twist where Preston once played his mother on Lost.

"Michael is such a brilliant actor and, you know, he’s one of the nicest guys that ever lived, but he plays really evil characters very well."
— Carrie Preston [09:26]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On guest starring in a TV procedural:
  “I wanted to be a murder victim in one of the CBS procedures.”
  — Stephen Colbert [06:28]

• On Amy Sedaris’ gifts:
  “Ooh, Amethyst. Classy, right?”
  — Amy Sedaris (as recounted by Preston) [08:46]

• On family dynamics on set:
  “I had to be like the hostess of the show, but also the wife.”
  — Carrie Preston [09:26]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [04:00]: Stephen Colbert welcomes guest Carrie Preston and congratulates her on the third season of Elsbeth.
• [06:01]: Discussion of Colbert guest starring on Elsbeth as a talk show host who becomes a murder victim.
• [07:27]: Colbert and Preston recall the “awkward” seduction scene with Amy Sedaris.
• [08:19]: Carrie’s heartfelt Amy Sedaris story—sharing gifts and capturing her off-screen persona.
• [09:18-10:07]: Preston discusses working with her husband Michael Emerson, their roles together, and fun facts about their on-screen dynamics, including a Lost flashback.

Tone and Language

Throughout, the conversation is filled with playful, genuine affection and quick, comedic banter—very much in line with Colbert’s late-night style. Preston matches his energy with warmth, gratitude, and a touch of Southern charm, making the episode engaging and accessible for fans and new listeners alike.

Summary Takeaway

The episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at Elsbeth and celebrates the joy of creative collaboration among friends and family in television. Fans are treated to authentic, funny stories highlighting the chemistry between Preston, Colbert, Amy Sedaris, and Michael Emerson, as well as the thrill (and comic absurdity) of making TV magic together.

Elsbeth Season 3 premieres October 12th on CBS.
Guest: Carrie Preston
Host: Stephen Colbert