Stephen Plays “Ick Or No Ick” With Taylor Tomlinson, Host Of “After Midnight”

“After Midnight” host Taylor Tomlinson gets Stephen Colbert to test drive one of the internet-fueled games that contestants will be playing on her new show. Don’t miss the premiere of “After Midnight” on Tuesday, January 16th after The Late Show on CBS and Paramount+!
#Colbert #AfterMidnight #TaylorTomlinson
Subscribe To "The Late Show" Channel: bit.ly/ColbertKZbin
Watch full episodes of "The Late Show": bit.ly/1Puei40
Listen to "The Late Show Pod Show" podcast: link.chtbl.com/Awagtx95?sid=yt
Like "The Late Show" on Facebook: on. 1df139Y
Follow "The Late Show" on X: bit.ly/1dMzZzG
Follow "The Late Show" on Instagram: bit.ly/29wfREj
Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS.
---
Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@8salociN0]

Stephen saying someone is "the Galadriel of Late Night" is the ultimate professional complement he can give! And he gave it to the right person!

[@OB1KXB]

I mean it's his show so he isnt exactly unbiased 😅 but I still agree

[@cleverusername9369]

​@@OB1KXBin fairness though, I believe it was Conan who either "discovered" her or was at least the first host to showcase her talent, for lack of a better word.

[@frozenrose84]

yes! My jaw dropped :D

[@frozenrose84]

@@cleverusername9369 Conan 's also a really great guy

[@DartJedi]

She got him a few times. Don't think it was planned. "the Galadriel of Late Night" hmmm, this is a back handed complement. I am seeing it as someone that is fearless to proceed, hell or high water the consequences. She is definitely on deserving of that title. Love Taylor Tomlinson.

[@goodfella1401]

This segment was good because she caught Stephen off guard and you could tell by his body language that he was impressed with how she responded to certain things he said

[@frozenrose84]

yeah! I didn't know her before and she did amazing :D

[@billymac5481]

She's a comic turned host. Very funny imo.

[@petrelli231]

He was not ready for zoomer humour

[@sapphireriddles6692]

​​@@petrelli231 she's a millenial. Tail end of the generation, but a millenial nonetheless. Though if you want to argue she is catering her jokes at teens and 20-year-olds - have at, I'm out. Whatever the case, I've never been disappointed in one of her performances that I've seen, and colbert definitely seemed on the back foot here.

[@loveearth7011]

After five months of strike, thanksgiving, an appendectomy (Sooo sorry Stephen, IDK what I’ll do if you ever die, so btw you are never allowed to 😘) AND Christmas break, you aren’t allowed another vacation until OUR DEMOCRACY SURVIVES!!!!

[@jeffhoffman2018]

I'm really impressed: Taylor was fully running that bit, and Colbert was just happy to be along for the ride. She's gonna be a great Late Night Host

[@SqueakPip]

Wasn’t very funny though. Seemed pretty forced. Her stand-up is fantastic, but that doesn’t always translate to a good host. Here’s hoping for the best for her!!

[@jbnelson]

@@SqueakPip I think it was funny. The audience felt stiff imo. Also, they didn’t have any music for the game or title cards so it felt really dead and awkward. I have no idea why the CG people didn’t do music

[@MothGirl007]

I like her, but this bit was pretty bad imho.

[@MegaForrestgump]

@@MothGirl007 Yeah, with just her and Stephen, it falls flat. But, with 3 comedians on stage buzzing in, I can see this being funny. Can't wait to see how the show compares to @Midnight.

[@AzaJabar]

That is her job, she is doing what James Cordon did for fuck's sake, if that is your standard you don't get to pat yourself on the back.

[@ArkaidDeims]

She's very quick on her feet. That observation if Stephen pictured his parents 11 times was off the charts XD

[@frozenrose84]

yeah :D Can't wait to see more of her!

[@ihcterra4625]

To be fair, the calculation for that isn't exactly on the order of n-Space math.

[@ArkaidDeims]

@@ihcterra4625 not the math, the quick wit to pick on the fact and make a joke about it on the spot :P

[@JimC]

Oh yeah! Brilliant!

[@kindablue1959]

@@ihcterra4625 your 'technical' dismissal of the OP observation is definitely ick.

[@casbot71]

You can see the wheels turning as she works out how to eviscerate Colbert about his answers... - that's the crowdwork experience showing.

[@shazzthedon]

It’s all scripted

[@JK_Clark]

@@shazzthedon No way that segment was totally scripted, Stephen knew about the idea of a game but he did not know the questions coming.

[@hint1k]

@@JK_Clark it was scripted. everything on US tv is. she is just a really good actor.

[@DanMcMillan-is-awesome]

​@@shazzthedonthe Internet has about a million hours of Taylor's crowd work, and you choose scripted.

[@patton3338]

​@@hint1kHaha, bro, she's literally a seasoned standup comic known for her quick wit and comebacks. 🤣

[@c187rocks]

I like how Colbert had that "shit, that was good" moment to Tomlinson saying he thought of his parents having sex eleven times.

[@clarasundqvist6013]

"do you want to gve your dog body dysmorphia??" is such a funny quote i love her

[@kurtsudheim825]

Not really, it's a an exaggeration, if that's the height of comedy for you you really need to watch better stuff

[@eboethrasher]

@@kurtsudheim825 it is called SUBjective for a reason, pal.

[@anadraham2995]

She owned that segment and she's legit funny🎊🕺🎊

[@disastermaster1413]

Lmao, ok simp

[@jospenner9503]

No she's not.

[@disastermaster1413]

@@jospenner9503 agreed

[@anadraham2995]

@@jospenner9503 who's funny?

[@stevewalston7089]

@@jospenner9503 You and your buddy seem like a real DBs

[@RAD6150]

That was two sharp minds practicing their swordplay... and it was excellent.

[@JustStopPlayingGames]

She is just an incredible presence on that stage. She's going to do so well.

[@jamesfeldmann1095]

Seeing somebody catch Colbert flat footed is…something.

[@TrulyToriYouTube]

Glad Stephen selects better protégées than he does game show answers 🔥

[@WilliamMcCluskey13]

That's an old gag. You always pick the answer the other person didn't pick.

[@elbowache]

She is Conan's protégé. At least more so than colbert's

[@JEDIMASTERPOOPJUICE]

When she said it's alright you already have a show, and the way he twist his neck was hilarious. 😂

[@hungryclone]

“You are the Galadriel of late night.” What a compliment.

[@jackson857]

3:24 Taylor absolutely turned the tables on Stephen for that answer! 😂😂

[@waynecrburnett]

The best reply!

[@richardadams4928]

LOL, that last one was the ULTIMATE Colbert trick question...😂😂😂

[@landonewts]

I admit I’d never seen Taylor until now, but now I am obsessed. What a talent.

[@wearewhatshewants]

Her specials are FANTASTIC

[@JimC]

Look up "Taylor Tomlinson Judges Your Wedding". It's BRILLIANT.

[@ToniGlick]

She also has great clips on you tube.

[@Wildflower1013]

highly recommend both her netflix specials!! she has another coming out in february too.

[@Aaliyahchannel2024]

Watch her Conan interviews she's been around for years.

[@jbca]

I can’t wait for her show ❤

[@fornitegood122jr6]

I hope 5 men host will be proud of you

[@zumirelix]

Same!

[@ammaleslie509]

I've already set my DVR to series tape it

[@bella_da_bee]

Great to see Taylor Tomlinson getting the recognition she deserves!

[@kickedinthecalfbyacow7549]

She’s had 3 Netflix specials and just finished a huge tour, she is a massive success even without the talk show.

[@dawnl.5046]

Saw her onstage last spring. She was rib aching hysterical! Chance at a late night show is well deserved

[@AndrewJohnson-oy8oj]

I love how Stephen shows that he is the Kindly Old Master by turning every joke around and taking possession of it while still feeding her openings.

[@paulwagner688]

Taylor's biggest asset as a comedienne is her crowd work. That was Don Rickles' whole show essentially. Great crowd work is rare. All comedians practice it, but a god tier level is so special. That's Taylor Tomlinson.

[@patspencer5649]

I so love seeing Taylor's success. She has worked diligently over the years and is a genuine comic and person. Way to go!

[@Aaliyahchannel2024]

Is a game show at 12:37 in the morning really...success? Honestly...she deserves better. They should of given her a legitimate talk show.

[@FireFlyMaxx]

I've loved her comedy, and now I know for sure, I'll love her late night show. Thank you Stephen and Taylor!

[@melissasaint3283]

Stephen saying, "no ick" to all of it shows he is a reasonably kind and tolerant person who was not raised by dating apps and social media. God bless the unfortunate young people of our current times.

[@BobothePirate24]

No. He was afraid to offend anyone. Have fun in your world of disinformation. I'm going back to mine.

[@MrCoble-mm7hk]

@BobothePirate24 What an extraordinarily improbable take. Stephen Colbert of all people clearly has no issues offending people, especially those with thin skin. Have you completely forgotten his entire career?

[@jimwilliams3816]

As an only child, I have to admit that I was a bit reminded of the downsides of social media. At its worst it definitely feeds a desire to trash other people’s self esteem by judging not just what they do but who they are. In general I think Stephen sticks to making fun of famous people’s foibles. Though to be honest I sometimes flinch when he does Eric Trump wishing for his father’s affection.

[@melissasaint3283]

@@jimwilliams3816 Yeah....that last one is so hard, because.... it's almost certainly true. I always remember the story about how Trump got very angry with Eric when he found out he was doing **actual** charity work, rather than a kick-back scheme, by holding an annual fundraiser at Maralago without upcharging the foundation insanely. When he found out, he apparently hit the roof and made Eric change it. I think we would agree, there are a lot of hints that of Ivanka, Don Jr and Eric, Eric was largely the "forgotten child" for his parents.... as a result, is probably much more "normal." Of all of them, he's the only one who wasn't implicated in any of the big scandals, and appears to have a stable family life himself. I suspect he'd like to have a more "normal" life. But he is still trapped in his father's orbit, both emotionally and economically. Sometimes, for the crowd at least, his father praises him, and even more than everything he stands to gain, that alone is probably enough to keep him there. Forgotten kids raised by parents like that often spend decades trying to win their love and approval. Sometimes they're the only child by the bedside of a sick and elderly parent, continuing to love them and hope to get love back. It's easier for the "Scapegoat" to break away, I think. They've been noticed, and abused...and it's happened so continuously that they often stop hoping their parents can ever give them what their hearts need.

[@petrelli231]

They have such perfect grandpa and favourite grandkid chemistry

[@timboz82]

She's about the same age as his daughter 😂

[@missmindy3803]

I could watch Taylor mess with Steven for hours 🤣💕

[@pbaddict1a]

I so hope her show does well! She is just amazing!!! Anyone who can be that honest and be so classy deserves the best!!!

[@raglanroadworks]

I had never heard of Tomlinson but I already think she's awesome.

[@ddjr6673]

Oh delve into her comedy work! She's terrific. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

[@gamaceoulapprentiessage5716]

@@ddjr6673 Oh yeah her two Netflix specials are excellent! Glad to learn a third is on the way!

[@andrewt9128]

She's got a couple specials on Netflix, they're hilarious. She's made a fan of me and I'm not a fan of many comedians

[@StephenSmith-rn2lo]

Can’t wait to watch her show.

[@FlannelHobbit]

That subtle Balderdash joke she just dropped in lol She's the queen of quick wit.

[@TheOneFreakservo]

"_Have you imagined your parents doing it 11 times?_" You don't need to convince me any further; I'm watching her show.

[@Zeldaboy2k2]

I WILL be watching, she is a gem!

[@kefinkamed]

As an only child of a single mother, I find it hilarious that she thinks only siblings can beat meaningful feedback into you 😂

[@moonhunter9993]

thought the same...

[@OsefKincaid]

Hi there! Just letting you know, as an only child as well, that she doesn't actually think that, it's a joke!

[@kefinkamed]

@@OsefKincaid Those two things are not mutually exclusive :D

[@FelipeKana1]

She is gonna crush this new show. Really hope they post it on KZbin

[@exoterric]

Ok, Stephen getting read was perfection. I have to check out her show

[@bigl6322]

I’ve been watching her since she was sneaking up on her first special, she owned this bit, Steven is a fantastic sport and he know talent when he sees it, and I cant wait to watch her host a show. If you haven’t seen it, she’s got a crowd work bit about a dude that dated twins here on the tube…reminds me of this energy she had here tonight…

[@Roundbrow]

Absolutely love Taylor. Saw her live at a show here in Michigan and she knocked it out of the park. Beyond excited to see her show flourish!

[@Karrikua]

Glad to get another late night show. Hope it lives up to it’s expectations

[@dawnl.5046]

We saw Taylor onstage last spring. Hysterical Tears. She's very talented! DVR is ready and waiting for 1/16

[@Muzikatta]

Omg - she is hysterical!!! Love it!! Stephen’s been had!

[@Aaliyahchannel2024]

Hysterical is a bit....far

[@JimC]

3:19 She uses her facial expressions very well. First, her face freezes for a second, as if his response really is an ick. Then her smile falls a bit. Then she blinks and looks away.

[@fernandooliveiralino]

Great conversation and vibe between the two.

[@norano-xb1ll]

she looks so professional its crazy

[@Kane5Cats-ME]

I can't wait to see her on the new show. She's fantastic and I love her sense of humor - fluent sarcasm is my superpower, too. Watching these two together was great, too. Hopefully Stephen visits After Midnight, too.

[@Derfboy]

Taylor, you will be absolutely stunning. We've been waiting for quality content from this time slot since Craig Ferguson left. Thank you!!! Thank you for accepting this job. We need you!!!

[@archangel1of7]

This was awesome and I am so excited. And it's airs only 2 days before my birthday so it feels like an early birthday gift.

[@thedrizzle619]

so happy for her!!

[@LesleyGene]

Brilliant! The Late Show comes back with a big, beautiful & brilliant bang in 2024. Looking forward to the rest of the year 😁

[@Aaliyahchannel2024]

Wtf 😂

[@wardrietz1491]

I wonder if the answers are pre-determined or if the gag is that the answer will always be the opposite of what the guest says. She's smart and funny enough to play it either way.

[@ebybeehoney]

Omg, i thought exactly the same thing when she asked what "ick" was. Aquarium fish illness...

[@bearin29]

I cannot wait for her nightly show!!

[@deltacharlie3]

taylor is fantastic! can’t wait to watch her

[@emmyathome8897]

Just love Taylor! Can't wait for her new show.

[@DanielleA2023]

This was an excellent segment, Taylor nailed the delivery, the reasons for the final answers were coherent logically reasonable & funny... and Stephen got them all wrong❤❤❤❤❤😂❤

[@jbnelson]

I’m guessing it was prepped so that either answer given, he’d be wrong and she’d have a reasoning why

[@danielhenderson3753]

These two are great together! Congrats Taylor!

[@scorpius6667]

Never heard of Taylor Tomlinson before but I like her! Her sense of humor is divine! Plus the fact that I am a major LOTR fan! I stopped counting how many times I have read the book(s) at 50.... there's more reads though. I also watch the movies at least once a year! After seeing this interview, I am going to have to watch After Midnight ....thanks Stephen! 🦂🥂

[@jennabrilon1186]

So excited for her new show! Especially after this! She can make anyone let down their guard! lol

[@keisha2120]

Taylor really is amazing Stephen good job

[@Hasani751]

She’s gonna do well👏🏾👏🏾🔥

[@demonicell]

She's a gem. I hope this is a huge hit.

[@liamdaletv]

That was a brilliant little piece.. and Taylor will be fine.. she can hold her line no probs.. and isn't afraid. GL to her for her gig. xx

[@cicelyb8229]

Thank you Stephen! 🎉😊😂❤I love Taylor

[@boerieza]

Taylor is gold. Seriously. lol

[@rikkiechambers4959]

That’s ok you already have a show …😂😂😂😂omg this game was seriously funny 🤣🤣

[@mikel3188]

I'm so looking forward to her show, Taylor's a great personality.

[@PhilipAlexanderHassialis]

Steven's answer on the only child, "Imagine your parents doing it only once", well, it shows not only how good a comedian he is but also how far he can push it if he ever wants to. This is why he is a superior class.

[@h2amster328]

I am so happy I get to see more content from Taylor, its never enough!

[@kenknapp2319]

I love Taylor... can't wait for her new show and special to come on!

[@grendlsma]

I hope she does well with her show. She deserves it.

[@TheGogilily]

So so happy for Taylor, she deserves the best ❤

[@johna1427]

I was skeptical but she nailed it

[@kirstymacfarlane3815]

See, good things do happen to good people ❤

[@11matt11]

She's got the Letterman genes, doesn't she? Has no problem making fun of the responder for laughs. But Letterman couldn't turn it off, while Taylor has the charm and smarts to always qualify.

[@joseluisalc]

She's gonna do amazing. This segment alone proves it.

[@simonkarlssson8174]

She's a natural! Love her!

[@crimson2knight]

Love how Stephen was left speechless several times. xD

[@SolaceEasy]

She set him up perfectly.

[@bigmoviefreak]

That was fantastic! 😂❤

[@DemonDarakna]

Taylor: "Lord of the rings is a classic ..." Ooomph, right in my elderly heart.

[@melissawagner83]

Great job Taylor! Looking forward to your show!

[@SgtJet3]

I am so freaking excited for her show omg

[@TSIRKLAND]

I love Taylor's stand-up. She has great writing, fantastic delivery, good crowd work, great physicality, just all around super talented and funny. Mitch Hedberg (R.I.P.) had a whole routine about agents asking him- a stand up comedian- if he was interested in acting: his answer was no. Would you ask a good chef if he can farm? No; Mitch had developed a specific skill, and he was good at it, but did not feel it necessary to segue those skills to some other field. Given Taylor's crowd-work skills, and her obvious intelligence, and charisma, I have a good feeling that she WILL be very able to use the skills she has honed on stage, and transfer those to this new format. I anticipate a learning curve in the first few months to a year, as she gets more comfortable and finds her own voice, and as people in the industry get to know her and her style. That's what always happens with a new host of anything. After that, I bet she will really be a gem in the pantheon of late night hosts! I actually really hope that she manages to find her OWN voice, maybe shake some things up a bit from the established patterns. If anyone could, I bet she could. Looking forward to seeing her show!

[@phoenixluk]

Can't wait for her show! You got this, girl!

[@raddestnerd]

omg i love her 😍 appreciate a comedian who is whip smart

[@rikkiechambers4959]

Been following her for a few years on KZbin and I’m so excited she’s getting this slot !! She deserves it

[@zizinnnn]

being an only child should not be an ick, the fact that your parents thought one mistake is enough should suffice😂

[@mariotamayo8945]

😂😂😂😂

[@Amy-kr4tc]

Again - she is brilliant and gorgeous and hilarious.. but my fave is that she is 100% the Queen of Callbacks!!!!

[@sailincat2822]

She's a seasoned expert at verbal fencing. All those years of nightclub standup gigs with drunk hecklers has honed her comedy improv skills to a razor edge. I can imagine her boyfriend considering disagreeing with her, then deciding nah, not worth the sharp tongue wounds. To be clear, I'm not criticizing Taylor Tomlinson. I love her sense of humor and she's a joy to look at.

[@rev.rachel]

Hilarious back and forth 😂

[@LesleyGene]

Good job Taylor! Stephen was holding himself! See how tight his hands are gripped!!! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. priceless!

[@danielschick7554]

I like how she went for subtle dig that only two comedians would do when bantering

[@RARamsay]

Okay, Taylor, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do the "Dark Queen" speech with full effects and everything. it would be magnificent.

[@gbenny420]

She shoulda screamed ... HA GOT'EM after that last one lmao 🤣

[@nannyalberte]

Two of my favorite people.

[@blairbrown4812]

3:23-3:32 You could see on Taylor's face that that, unquestionably, is the god-emperor of icks.

[@merissaj4518]

3:04 Taylor's response is chef's kiss 💋

[@threefeetofair758]

Oh she is so funny! Kudos to Stephen for giving her enough room to run!

[@sarakatharina2928]

I like her. I am looking forward to her show debut

[@Cartho8236]

Wow, she was so funny. 😄

[@Shorkshire]

Danny I have NEVER seen Stephen caught off guard, she's sharp!

[@blackdawg7361]

Taylor Tomlinson is delightful 😄!