The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Stephen Presents: Bedtime Stories
Date: December 22, 2025
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest Highlights: George Saunders, Julie Andrews
Producer: Becca

Overview

In this holiday-themed episode, Stephen Colbert and producer Becca take listeners on a sentimental journey back to the first season of The Late Show to revisit the beloved "Bedtime Stories" segment. The show spotlights two special story readings: an original tale, "Festive," written and performed by acclaimed author George Saunders, and the classic poem "The King's Breakfast" by A.A. Milne, delightfully read by Stephen Colbert and the legendary Julie Andrews. The episode is a nostalgic, heartwarming tribute to storytelling and the warmth of the holiday season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origin of Bedtime Stories

(04:31–07:16)

• Vault Segment Introduction:
  Stephen and Becca reminisce about the early days of the show, specifically the "Good Night Act," which typically rounded out each episode.
  • Stephen Colbert: "Mostly I just say goodnight and say, this is who I've got tomorrow." (05:13)
  • Becca: "It's like us getting tucked in at the end of the night." (05:16)
• Bedtime Stories Concept:
  The "Bedtime Stories" segment was initially inspired by Emily Lazar, the show’s first booker. Its intention was to close out the night in a comforting way, as if tucking the audience into bed.
  • Stephen Colbert: "If we're people tucking themselves into bed at night, let's give them a bedtime story." (05:52)
• Notable Guest Authors:
  Guests included John Irving and Jonathan Franzen, but this episode highlights George Saunders reading his original Christmas story and a special reading with Julie Andrews.

2. "Festive" by George Saunders

(08:04–11:29)

• Setting and Style:
  Saunders reads an original story in the form of a diary entry, blending dry humor with warmth and subtle commentary on the pressures and joys of Christmas in American families.
• Themes:
  Navigates holiday anxieties, materialism, family dynamics, and simple joys.
• Memorable Moments:
  • Humor about limiting holiday spending:
    • Saunders: "Set low dollar limit per kid. Exchange homemade presents Christmas morning... Buy no presents pre Christmas, but day after Christmas. Go to mall, find bargains." (08:24)
  • Hilarious child misunderstanding of religious stories:
    • Edward: "Jesus cool. Jesus had son named Tiny Tim. And then this mob came, killed Tiny Tim. Tiny Tim came back to life on the third day, killed the mob with lasers coming out of his eyes." (10:26)
  • Quiet, moving ending:
    • Emma: "That will be fun. And just like that is Christmas." (11:23)

3. Colbert x Julie Andrews: "The King’s Breakfast" by A.A. Milne

(12:14–15:16)

• Background:
  Stephen recounts his joy at reading poetry with "the legendary Julie Andrews," including that this particular poem was a favorite of his mother and a shared moment of vulnerability and nostalgia.
  • Colbert: "My mother used to read this to me as a child." (12:43)
  • Andrews: "I was wondering. You asked me if I knew an A. A. milne poem, and I said, yes, but do you know...and I started to recite it, and you said, stop, cameras. I've got to give her a hug." (12:30)
• Performance Structure:
  Colbert narrates while Andrews does the voices, blending their talents for a charming and whimsical reading.
• Quote Highlight (opening lines):
  • Colbert: "The King asked the queen, and the queen asked the dairymaid, could we have..."
  • Andrews: "...some butter for the royal slice of bread?" (13:27–13:30)
• Endearing Moments:
  The back-and-forth playfulness and affection in their reading, plus Andrews' soft character voices, create a soothing, magical atmosphere.
  • Colbert: "I'm just pigment on your brush, Julie, shut up." (13:10)
  • Andrews: "But I do like a little bit of butter with my bread." (15:08)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bedtime Rituals:
  Becca: "It's like us getting tucked in at the end of the night, we can't say goodnight." (05:16)
• On the Origin of Segments:
  Stephen: "Let's give them a bedtime story." (05:52)
• On Collaborating with Julie Andrews:
  Colbert: "There are so many times I've been lucky enough that I feel like I should retire now. This should be the last thing that I do." (07:23)
• Saunders' Kids' Theology:
  Edward: "Jesus had son named Tiny Tim... Tiny Tim killed the mob with lasers coming out of his eyes." (10:26)
• The King's Breakfast
  Andrews (as King): "Nobody, my darling, could call me a fussy man, but I do like a little bit of butter with my bread." (15:08)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–03:21: Banter with producer and sponsor talk
• 04:31–07:16: Background and origins of "Bedtime Stories" segment
• 08:04–11:29: George Saunders reads his original holiday story, "Festive"
• 12:14–15:16: Colbert and Julie Andrews perform "The King’s Breakfast" by A.A. Milne

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is playful, cozy, and nostalgic. Colbert’s blend of sincerity and wit comes through, complemented by Becca’s warmth and Julie Andrews’ elegance. George Saunders’ humor offers a gentle satire of family holidays, while the poetry reading with Andrews evokes childlike wonder and holiday comfort.

In Summary

This episode is a heartfelt holiday treat: a delightful celebration of storytelling, friendship, and family, warm enough to send any listener peacefully off to bed—"tucked in" by Stephen Colbert, George Saunders, and Julie Andrews.