Welcome to Better Know a Guest, your weekly guide to the wonderful and diverse array of personalities appearing on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ each week.
A new week of shows is here, Hubsters! For the first time ever Eurovision was broadcast in the US over the weekend. In misogynist news, RNC Chairman, Reince Priebus, said that “people just don’t care” that Trump disrespected women and made unwelcome advances toward them in the workplace. I hate to break it to you, Reince, but this is not an episode of “Mad Men.” Now, let’s get this party started and check out this week’s guests!
Which guest(s) are you looking forward to? Join in the conversation and let us know in the comment section. Donʼt forget to take our weekly poll!
Monday, May 16th (2016)
Jason Sudeikis (Actor – “The Angry Birds Movie”)
Jason Sudeikis is an American actor, comedian, and screenwriter. In 2003, he was hired as a sketch writer for “Saturday Night Live” and was a cast member from 2005 to 2013. Sudeikis is know for his roles in “Hall Pass,” “Horrible Bosses,” and “We’re the Millers.” He voices the character of Red in the new film “The Angry Birds Movie,” a 3D computer-animated action-adventure comedy film based on the app series of the same name. “The animation punches well above its weight with properly Looney Tunes-standard sight gags, polished, highly expressive character design, and rendering so intensely computed nearly every barbule and rachis on each individual feather is visible,” says The Hollywood Reporter. And Variety states, “A fast, fizzy and frenetically entertaining extension of the manic gaming franchise that, at its zenith, had children of all ages glued to their smartphone screens.” “The Angry Birds Movie” opens in US theaters on May 20th.
Michael Weatherly (Actor – “NCIS”)
Michael Weatherly is an American actor, writer, singer, and director best known for playing Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo on the television series “NCIS” since 2003. “NCIS” is an American dramatic police procedural television series, revolving around a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which investigates crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The New York Times says, “Just more evidence of why this show endures: distinctive characters, skilled actors, an ability to mix humor into the gloomiest situations.” After thirteen seasons, Weatherly is leaving “NCIS.” His last episode will take place during the season finale on May 17th at 8:00PM on CBS.
Megyn Kelly (Host – “The Kelly File”)
Megyn Kelly is an American journalist, former attorney, news pundit, and political commentator on the Fox News Channel. She hosts “The Kelly File” from the network’s New York City headquarters. The show presents unique angles on the news by taking advantage of Kelly’s skills as a former litigator and using a strong social media presence. Kelly also regularly conducts interviews with people in the news. “The Kelly File” aires weeknights at 9:00PM and 12:00AM on the Fox News Channel.
Tuesday, May 17th (2016)
Anthony Anderson (Actor – “Black-ish”)
Anthony Anderson is an American actor, comedian, and writer, known for his leading roles in the drama series “K-Ville,” “The Shield,” and “Law & Order,” as well as his supporting roles in films such as “The Departed” and “Transformers.” Anderson currently stars in the American sitcom “Black-ish.” His character, Dre Johnson has it all: a great job, a beautiful wife, four kids and a big home in a classy neighborhood, but as a black man, he begins to question whether all his success has brought too much cultural assimilation for his family. With the help of his father, Dre begins to try to create a sense of ethnic identity for the members of his family that will allow them to honor their background while preparing them to embrace the future. “As much heart and genuine emotion ‘Black-ish’ can mine from its stories, the weirder it gets, the funnier it is,” says the AV Club. And Slant Magazine states, “The series is funny, endearing, and studded with little truths about family life and race relations.” The second season finale airs May 18th at 9:30PM on ABC.
Eugene Levy & Catherine O’Hara (Actors – “Schitt’s Creek”)
Eugene Levy & Catherine O’Hara began working with each other at The Second City Toronto Theater and later worked together on SCTV. The have collaborated with Christopher Guest in the critically acclaimed mockumentary films “Waiting for Guffman,” “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind,” and “For Your Consideration.” They are now collaborating on the Canadian sitcom “Schitt’s Creek,” which has been renewed for a third season. Levy and O’Hara play the Roses, a wealthy couple who suddenly find themselves completely broke. With only one remaining asset, a small town called Schitt’s Creek, which the Roses bought years earlier as a joke, this once-wealthy couple must give up life as they know it. “From the moment ‘Schitt’s Creek’ begins, it already feels lived-in, with an instant commitment to its own tone of sophisticated ignorance,” states the AV Club. And The Hollywood Reporter says, “Much of the charm of ‘Schitt’s Creek’ comes from seeing longtime collaborators Levy and O’Hara portraying such extreme, unsympathetic characters.” “Schitt’s Creek” aires in Canada on CBC and in the US on Pop (previously The TV Guide Network). Episodes are also available for streaming online in the above link.
Coldplay (Album – “A Head Full of Dreams”)
Coldplay are a British rock band formed in 1996 by lead vocalist and pianist Chris Martin and lead guitarist Jonny Buckland at University College London. The band has won 62 awards from 209 nominations throughout their career, including nine Brit Awards—winning Best British Group four times—five MTV Video Music Awards, and seven Grammy Awards from 31 nominations. Coldplay have sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling music artists. Their last album was 2015’s “A Head Full of Dreams.” They are currently in the midst of “A Head Full of Dreams Tour,” which is comprised of three legs, with a total of 52 shows across Latin America, Europe, and North America, where they will embark on the very first stadium tour of the United States.
Wednesday, May 18th (2016)
Josh Gad (Actor – “The Angry Birds Movie”)
Josh Gad is an American actor, comedian, and singer best known for voicing Olaf in “Frozen,” for originating the role of Elder Arnold Cunningham in the Broadway musical “The Book of Mormon,” and for playing a fictionalized version of himself on FX’s “The Comedians.” Gad voices the character of Chuck in the new film “The Angry Birds Movie,” a 3D computer-animated action-adventure comedy film based on the video game series of the same name. “The sheer contrived ridiculousness is part of the fun. But you really do have to know the game,” says The Guardian. And Indie London states, “Adults won’t feel that angry at having seen it afterwards, while the little ones will be amused.” “The Angry Birds Movie” opens in US theaters on May 20th.
Gillian Jacobs (Actress – “Dean”)
Gillian Jacobs is an American actress who portrayed Britta Perry on the NBC/Yahoo! Screen comedy series “Community” and stars as Mickey on the Netflix series “Love.” Jacobs plays Becky in her latest film, “Dean,” directed by Demetri Martin. In the film, an illustrator falls hard for an LA woman while trying to prevent his father from selling the family home in the wake of his mother’s death. “Dean” was featured at the Tribeca Film Festival and took the award for Best Narrative Feature. “If grief dramedies are as much a rite of passage as romantic rebounds, it’s exciting to imagine what Martin’s next step as a filmmaker will look like,” say The Hollywood Reporter. And Collider states, “A hilarious, heartfelt picture that feels refreshingly original despite having an age-old synopsis.” “Dean” opened at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 15th.
Band of Horses (Album – “Why Are You OK”)
Band of Horses, originally known briefly as Horses, is an American rock band formed in 2004 in Seattle by Ben Bridwell. The band has released four studio albums, the most successful of which is 2010’s Grammy-nominated “Infinite Arms.” Their upcoming fifth studio album is “Why Are You OK.” According to Rolling Stone, “The new set includes its first single, ‘Casual Party.’ The band will premiere the song live for the first time on May 18th when they make their ‘The Late Show with Steven Colbert’ debut.” “Why Are You OK” drops June 10th and is available for pre-order.
Thursday, May 19th (2016)
Rose Byrne (Actress – “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising”)
Rose Byrne is an Australian actress know for her roles in the films “Marie Antoinette,” “Bridesmaids,” “X-Men: First Class,” and “Neighbors.” In her newest film, “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising,” Byrne reprises her role as Kelly Radner. Life is good for Kelly and her husband Mac (Seth Rogen) until the unruly sisters of Kappa Nu move in next door. As the loud parties threaten the sale of their home, the couple turn to ex-neighbor and one-time enemy Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron) for help. Now united with the former college student, the trio devises schemes to get the wild sorority off the block. Unfortunately, the rebellious young women refuse to go down without a fight. “The film has a knowingly conflicted engagement with millennial-generation feminism that freshens its outlook even as it unevenly rejigs many of its predecessor’s gags,” says Variety. And The Wrap states, “Never lags, and the laughs keep coming, even though they’re coming from a fairly familiar place.” “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising” opens in theaters on May 20th.
Bobby Flay (Celebrity Chef)
Bobby Flay is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, and reality television personality. Flay is the owner and executive chef of several restaurants located across the US and in The Bahamas. His franchised restaurant, Bobby’s Burger Palace, has 19 location across 11 states. Since debuting on the Food Network in 1994, Flay has continuously hosted programs that bring cooking tips and information on American regional fare to a national audience. His current series include Emmy award-winning “Bobby Flay’s Barbecue Addiction,” “Brunch @ Bobby’s” on the Cooking Channel, “Food Network Star,” “Beat Bobby Flay,” “Worst Cooks,” “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” and “Iron Chef America.”
“Weird Al” Yankovic (Co-Host – “Comedy Bang! Bang!”)
“Weird Al” Yankovic is an American singer, songwriter, parodist, record producer, satirist, actor, voice actor, music video director, film producer, and author. He is known for his humorous songs that make light of pop culture. Yankovic’s work has earned him four Grammy Awards and eleven nominations. Yankovic has now joined “Comedy Bang! Bang!” as the bandleader and co-host. The show cleverly riffs on the well-known format of the late night talk show, infusing celebrity appearances and comedy sketches with a tinge of the surreal. Season five of “Comedy Bang! Bang!” premieres June 3rd at 10:00PM on IFC. Yankovic also kicks off his comedy tour on June 3rd.
Friday, May 20th (2016)
Seth Rogen (Actor – “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising”)
Seth Rogen is a Canadian actor, filmmaker, and comedian, who is know for his roles in “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up,” “Pineapple Express.” and “Neighbors.” In his newest film, “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising,” Rogan reprises his role as Mac Radner. Life is good for Mac and his wife Kelly (Rose Byrne) until the unruly sisters of Kappa Nu move in next door. As the loud parties threaten the sale of their home, the couple turn to ex-neighbor and one-time enemy Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron) for help. Now united with the former college student, the trio devises schemes to get the wild sorority off the block. Unfortunately, the rebellious young women refuse to go down without a fight. “A movie as delightful and silly – indeed, much more silly – than its similarly delightful predecessor,” says ABC Radio. And Junkee states, “The character’s bravado and outrageous persistence in the first film was funny, but the laughs in the sequel are more complex and instead come from what happens when you strip all that away.” “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising” opens in theaters on May 20th.
Krysten Ritter (Actress – “Jessica Jones”)
Krysten Ritter is an American actress, musician, and former model. Ritter is known for her roles as Jane Margolis on the AMC drama series “Breaking Bad,” Chloe on the ABC comedy series “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23,” and the eponymous hero Jessica Jones on the Netflix drama series “Marvel’s Jessica Jones.” Ritter was booked for “The Late Show” on February 25th, but unfortunately could not make it due to inclement weather. Ritter will soon begin filming “Jessica Jones” and “The Defenders” back-to-back, with release dates set for 2017. The first season of “Jessica Jones” is available for streaming on Netflix.
Wolf Parade (Album – “EP 4”)
Wolf Parade is an indie rock band formed in 2003 in Montreal, Quebec. The band went on indefinite hiatus in 2011, but announced its return to recording and performing in January 2016. The band is releasing their first album in six years. It is currently untitled and being referred to as “EP 4.” Co-frontman Dan Boeckner briefly described the band’s new music in an interview with Exclaim earlier this year. “There’s a heavy glam vibe on the new stuff, which I’m really diggin’,” he remarked, adding that one track in particular “kinda reminded me of early Queen and ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ soundtrack.” The band will perform material from the new EP on “The Late Show.”
Better Know a Guest – May 16 – 20, 2016
A new week of shows is here, Hubsters! For the first time ever Eurovision was broadcast in the US over the weekend. In misogynist news, RNC Chairman, Reince Priebus, said that “people just don’t care” that Trump disrespected women and made unwelcome advances toward them in the workplace. I hate to break it to you, Reince, but this is not an episode of “Mad Men.” Now, let’s get this party started and check out this week’s guests!
Which guest(s) are you looking forward to? Join in the conversation and let us know in the comment section. Donʼt forget to take our weekly poll!
Monday, May 16th (2016)
Jason Sudeikis (Actor – “The Angry Birds Movie”)
Jason Sudeikis is an American actor, comedian, and screenwriter. In 2003, he was hired as a sketch writer for “Saturday Night Live” and was a cast member from 2005 to 2013. Sudeikis is know for his roles in “Hall Pass,” “Horrible Bosses,” and “We’re the Millers.” He voices the character of Red in the new film “The Angry Birds Movie,” a 3D computer-animated action-adventure comedy film based on the app series of the same name. “The animation punches well above its weight with properly Looney Tunes-standard sight gags, polished, highly expressive character design, and rendering so intensely computed nearly every barbule and rachis on each individual feather is visible,” says The Hollywood Reporter. And Variety states, “A fast, fizzy and frenetically entertaining extension of the manic gaming franchise that, at its zenith, had children of all ages glued to their smartphone screens.” “The Angry Birds Movie” opens in US theaters on May 20th.
Michael Weatherly (Actor – “NCIS”)
Michael Weatherly is an American actor, writer, singer, and director best known for playing Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo on the television series “NCIS” since 2003. “NCIS” is an American dramatic police procedural television series, revolving around a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which investigates crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The New York Times says, “Just more evidence of why this show endures: distinctive characters, skilled actors, an ability to mix humor into the gloomiest situations.” After thirteen seasons, Weatherly is leaving “NCIS.” His last episode will take place during the season finale on May 17th at 8:00PM on CBS.
Megyn Kelly (Host – “The Kelly File”)
Megyn Kelly is an American journalist, former attorney, news pundit, and political commentator on the Fox News Channel. She hosts “The Kelly File” from the network’s New York City headquarters. The show presents unique angles on the news by taking advantage of Kelly’s skills as a former litigator and using a strong social media presence. Kelly also regularly conducts interviews with people in the news. “The Kelly File” aires weeknights at 9:00PM and 12:00AM on the Fox News Channel.
Tuesday, May 17th (2016)
Anthony Anderson (Actor – “Black-ish”)
Anthony Anderson is an American actor, comedian, and writer, known for his leading roles in the drama series “K-Ville,” “The Shield,” and “Law & Order,” as well as his supporting roles in films such as “The Departed” and “Transformers.” Anderson currently stars in the American sitcom “Black-ish.” His character, Dre Johnson has it all: a great job, a beautiful wife, four kids and a big home in a classy neighborhood, but as a black man, he begins to question whether all his success has brought too much cultural assimilation for his family. With the help of his father, Dre begins to try to create a sense of ethnic identity for the members of his family that will allow them to honor their background while preparing them to embrace the future. “As much heart and genuine emotion ‘Black-ish’ can mine from its stories, the weirder it gets, the funnier it is,” says the AV Club. And Slant Magazine states, “The series is funny, endearing, and studded with little truths about family life and race relations.” The second season finale airs May 18th at 9:30PM on ABC.
Eugene Levy & Catherine O’Hara (Actors – “Schitt’s Creek”)
Eugene Levy & Catherine O’Hara began working with each other at The Second City Toronto Theater and later worked together on SCTV. The have collaborated with Christopher Guest in the critically acclaimed mockumentary films “Waiting for Guffman,” “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind,” and “For Your Consideration.” They are now collaborating on the Canadian sitcom “Schitt’s Creek,” which has been renewed for a third season. Levy and O’Hara play the Roses, a wealthy couple who suddenly find themselves completely broke. With only one remaining asset, a small town called Schitt’s Creek, which the Roses bought years earlier as a joke, this once-wealthy couple must give up life as they know it. “From the moment ‘Schitt’s Creek’ begins, it already feels lived-in, with an instant commitment to its own tone of sophisticated ignorance,” states the AV Club. And The Hollywood Reporter says, “Much of the charm of ‘Schitt’s Creek’ comes from seeing longtime collaborators Levy and O’Hara portraying such extreme, unsympathetic characters.” “Schitt’s Creek” aires in Canada on CBC and in the US on Pop (previously The TV Guide Network). Episodes are also available for streaming online in the above link.
Coldplay (Album – “A Head Full of Dreams”)
Coldplay are a British rock band formed in 1996 by lead vocalist and pianist Chris Martin and lead guitarist Jonny Buckland at University College London. The band has won 62 awards from 209 nominations throughout their career, including nine Brit Awards—winning Best British Group four times—five MTV Video Music Awards, and seven Grammy Awards from 31 nominations. Coldplay have sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling music artists. Their last album was 2015’s “A Head Full of Dreams.” They are currently in the midst of “A Head Full of Dreams Tour,” which is comprised of three legs, with a total of 52 shows across Latin America, Europe, and North America, where they will embark on the very first stadium tour of the United States.
Wednesday, May 18th (2016)
Josh Gad (Actor – “The Angry Birds Movie”)
Josh Gad is an American actor, comedian, and singer best known for voicing Olaf in “Frozen,” for originating the role of Elder Arnold Cunningham in the Broadway musical “The Book of Mormon,” and for playing a fictionalized version of himself on FX’s “The Comedians.” Gad voices the character of Chuck in the new film “The Angry Birds Movie,” a 3D computer-animated action-adventure comedy film based on the video game series of the same name. “The sheer contrived ridiculousness is part of the fun. But you really do have to know the game,” says The Guardian. And Indie London states, “Adults won’t feel that angry at having seen it afterwards, while the little ones will be amused.” “The Angry Birds Movie” opens in US theaters on May 20th.
Gillian Jacobs (Actress – “Dean”)
Gillian Jacobs is an American actress who portrayed Britta Perry on the NBC/Yahoo! Screen comedy series “Community” and stars as Mickey on the Netflix series “Love.” Jacobs plays Becky in her latest film, “Dean,” directed by Demetri Martin. In the film, an illustrator falls hard for an LA woman while trying to prevent his father from selling the family home in the wake of his mother’s death. “Dean” was featured at the Tribeca Film Festival and took the award for Best Narrative Feature. “If grief dramedies are as much a rite of passage as romantic rebounds, it’s exciting to imagine what Martin’s next step as a filmmaker will look like,” say The Hollywood Reporter. And Collider states, “A hilarious, heartfelt picture that feels refreshingly original despite having an age-old synopsis.” “Dean” opened at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 15th.
Band of Horses (Album – “Why Are You OK”)
Band of Horses, originally known briefly as Horses, is an American rock band formed in 2004 in Seattle by Ben Bridwell. The band has released four studio albums, the most successful of which is 2010’s Grammy-nominated “Infinite Arms.” Their upcoming fifth studio album is “Why Are You OK.” According to Rolling Stone, “The new set includes its first single, ‘Casual Party.’ The band will premiere the song live for the first time on May 18th when they make their ‘The Late Show with Steven Colbert’ debut.” “Why Are You OK” drops June 10th and is available for pre-order.
Thursday, May 19th (2016)
Rose Byrne (Actress – “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising”)
Rose Byrne is an Australian actress know for her roles in the films “Marie Antoinette,” “Bridesmaids,” “X-Men: First Class,” and “Neighbors.” In her newest film, “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising,” Byrne reprises her role as Kelly Radner. Life is good for Kelly and her husband Mac (Seth Rogen) until the unruly sisters of Kappa Nu move in next door. As the loud parties threaten the sale of their home, the couple turn to ex-neighbor and one-time enemy Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron) for help. Now united with the former college student, the trio devises schemes to get the wild sorority off the block. Unfortunately, the rebellious young women refuse to go down without a fight. “The film has a knowingly conflicted engagement with millennial-generation feminism that freshens its outlook even as it unevenly rejigs many of its predecessor’s gags,” says Variety. And The Wrap states, “Never lags, and the laughs keep coming, even though they’re coming from a fairly familiar place.” “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising” opens in theaters on May 20th.
Bobby Flay (Celebrity Chef)
Bobby Flay is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, and reality television personality. Flay is the owner and executive chef of several restaurants located across the US and in The Bahamas. His franchised restaurant, Bobby’s Burger Palace, has 19 location across 11 states. Since debuting on the Food Network in 1994, Flay has continuously hosted programs that bring cooking tips and information on American regional fare to a national audience. His current series include Emmy award-winning “Bobby Flay’s Barbecue Addiction,” “Brunch @ Bobby’s” on the Cooking Channel, “Food Network Star,” “Beat Bobby Flay,” “Worst Cooks,” “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” and “Iron Chef America.”
“Weird Al” Yankovic (Co-Host – “Comedy Bang! Bang!”)
“Weird Al” Yankovic is an American singer, songwriter, parodist, record producer, satirist, actor, voice actor, music video director, film producer, and author. He is known for his humorous songs that make light of pop culture. Yankovic’s work has earned him four Grammy Awards and eleven nominations. Yankovic has now joined “Comedy Bang! Bang!” as the bandleader and co-host. The show cleverly riffs on the well-known format of the late night talk show, infusing celebrity appearances and comedy sketches with a tinge of the surreal. Season five of “Comedy Bang! Bang!” premieres June 3rd at 10:00PM on IFC. Yankovic also kicks off his comedy tour on June 3rd.
Friday, May 20th (2016)
Seth Rogen (Actor – “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising”)
Seth Rogen is a Canadian actor, filmmaker, and comedian, who is know for his roles in “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up,” “Pineapple Express.” and “Neighbors.” In his newest film, “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising,” Rogan reprises his role as Mac Radner. Life is good for Mac and his wife Kelly (Rose Byrne) until the unruly sisters of Kappa Nu move in next door. As the loud parties threaten the sale of their home, the couple turn to ex-neighbor and one-time enemy Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron) for help. Now united with the former college student, the trio devises schemes to get the wild sorority off the block. Unfortunately, the rebellious young women refuse to go down without a fight. “A movie as delightful and silly – indeed, much more silly – than its similarly delightful predecessor,” says ABC Radio. And Junkee states, “The character’s bravado and outrageous persistence in the first film was funny, but the laughs in the sequel are more complex and instead come from what happens when you strip all that away.” “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising” opens in theaters on May 20th.
Krysten Ritter (Actress – “Jessica Jones”)
Krysten Ritter is an American actress, musician, and former model. Ritter is known for her roles as Jane Margolis on the AMC drama series “Breaking Bad,” Chloe on the ABC comedy series “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23,” and the eponymous hero Jessica Jones on the Netflix drama series “Marvel’s Jessica Jones.” Ritter was booked for “The Late Show” on February 25th, but unfortunately could not make it due to inclement weather. Ritter will soon begin filming “Jessica Jones” and “The Defenders” back-to-back, with release dates set for 2017. The first season of “Jessica Jones” is available for streaming on Netflix.
Wolf Parade (Album – “EP 4”)
Wolf Parade is an indie rock band formed in 2003 in Montreal, Quebec. The band went on indefinite hiatus in 2011, but announced its return to recording and performing in January 2016. The band is releasing their first album in six years. It is currently untitled and being referred to as “EP 4.” Co-frontman Dan Boeckner briefly described the band’s new music in an interview with Exclaim earlier this year. “There’s a heavy glam vibe on the new stuff, which I’m really diggin’,” he remarked, adding that one track in particular “kinda reminded me of early Queen and ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ soundtrack.” The band will perform material from the new EP on “The Late Show.”