The national talk show known as The Late Late Show airs weeknights on CBS. Viewers often ask what time is the late late show on, since the schedule varies by station and season.
Time slots can shift with network programming, sports overruns, and local news, so checking your local listing is the most reliable way to tune in.
| Network | Typical Weeknight Slot | Approximate Local Start | Weekend/A Special Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBS | Weeknights, following The Late Show | 12:37 AM ET / 11:37 PM CT | Varies with sports, awards, breaking news |
| Affiliate Feed | Network feed adjusted locally | Check local listings | Preempted during live breaking coverage |
| Pacific Time | Delayed on West Coast | 3:37 AM PT on delayed west-coast feeds | Live feed may start earlier when scheduled |
| Streaming/CBS App | Live stream of network feed | Follows network schedule | On-demand after broadcast |
Understanding the Network Schedule
CBS structures prime time so that The Late Late Show follows The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. This creates a predictable pattern for viewers who want to know what time is the late late show on a standard night.
Because local affiliates may delay the network feed for news or syndicated programs, the actual start time on your television may differ from the network clock by up to half an hour.
Checking Your Local CBS Affiliate
To find the exact start time on your channel, consult the CBS affiliate schedule on the network website or your TV provider guide. Look for the listing labeled The Late Late Show within the prime time block.
Local newscasts, breaking news, or sports overruns can push the start time later on certain weeknights, so it is wise to verify closer to air time.
Streaming and On-Demand Options
The CBS streaming app and website carry the network feed live, which mirrors the affiliate broadcast. If you ask what time is the late late show on a streaming service, the answer matches the network schedule unless the stream is buffering or you are watching a replay.
On-demand episodes usually appear after the live broadcast and remain available for several days, giving flexibility if you missed the live showing.
Special Programming and Date Changes
During award seasons, holiday weeks, or major live events, The Late Late Show may move to a different time or be replaced by a special episode. Always check the network preview for temporary schedule changes.
Travel days near Daylight Saving Time shifts can also affect the clock, so verify the time if you are watching in a timezone that observes DST changes.
Quick Reference for Regular Viewing
- Confirm your local CBS affiliate and its exact late night line-up.
- Check the network schedule the day of the show for any announced changes.
- Use the CBS streaming app for a live feed when you are away from home.
- Look for on-screen crawls or on-screen bugs that indicate a time shift due to special programming.
- Set reminders or enable notifications in the streaming app for consistent viewing.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does my local start time for The Late Late Show differ from network listings?
Your affiliate may delay the network feed to air local news, weather updates, or extended sports coverage, which shifts the start time by minutes to over an hour.
Does the show air live everywhere, or are some feeds prerecorded?
The network feed is generally live, but certain West Coast delayed feeds or international editions may present the show on a tape delay aligned with local prime time hours.
What should I do if the stream says the episode is unavailable right at 12:37 AM ET?
Check your network provider login, refresh the app, or switch to the cable live stream, because authentication or buffering can block playback in the first minutes of the broadcast.
Are there days when The Late Late Show does not air at all?
Yes, during major awards coverage, special election results, or breaking news events, the regular episode may be replaced by a special or temporarily suspended for the night.