Stephen Colbert, the late-night host renowned for his biting political satire, surprised audiences in a November 5, 2025, interview with The New York Times Magazine, asserting that his personal beliefs align more closely with conservative values than the progressive caricature often painted of him. At 61, the former Colbert Report star and current Late Show anchor described himself as a “practicing Catholic” with traditional views on family, faith, and fiscal responsibility, distancing himself from what he called “the lefty figure” label. “People assume because I mock certain politicians, I’m all-in on the other side,” Colbert told writer David Marchese. “But my faith informs everything—I’m pro-life, I believe in limited government, and I think charity starts at home, not in Washington.”

The revelation comes amid a reflective period for Colbert, whose Late Show wraps its final season in May 2026 after a decade of dominance in the 11:35 p.m. slot. The interview, conducted in his Ed Sullivan Theater office surrounded by family photos and a well-worn Bible, painted a portrait of a man whose comedy stems from deep-rooted principles rather than partisan allegiance. Colbert, raised in a large Irish-Catholic family in South Carolina, credits his worldview to his upbringing and Jesuit education at Hampden-Sydney College. “I was taught that truth is absolute, and humor is a tool to reveal it—not distort it,” he said, referencing St. Ignatius’s emphasis on discernment.

Colbert’s conservatism manifests in nuanced ways. He supports school choice, citing his own positive parochial school experience, and has praised charter programs in low-income areas during Late Show monologues. On social issues, he adheres to Catholic doctrine, quietly donating to crisis pregnancy centers through his Spartina Foundation, which has given $2 million since 2018. Fiscally, he advocates balanced budgets, once joking on air, “I’m the only host who itemizes deductions for fun.” His 2024 endorsement of a flat tax proposal in a Wall Street Journal op-ed raised eyebrows among liberal fans, though he framed it as “fairness, not ideology.”

Faith remains central. A daily Mass attendee when in New York, Colbert teaches Sunday school at his Manhattan parish and has led retreats for Catholic youth. His 2023 Late Show special Faith, Family, and Funny featured interviews with Cardinal Timothy Dolan and explored religion’s role in comedy. “I’m pro-life from conception to natural death,” he reiterated in the Times piece, supporting hospice care expansions and opposing assisted suicide laws. These stances contrast sharply with his on-air persona, which has lampooned conservative figures like Trump—whom he called “a gift that keeps on giving” for material—while critiquing Democratic overreach on issues like student debt forgiveness.

The disconnect fuels Colbert’s appeal. Ratings data from Nielsen shows his audience spans ideologies: 40% identify as independent, 35% Democrat, 25% Republican—the most balanced in late night. His Trump impressions, viewed 500 million times online, draw laughs from across the aisle, while segments like “Meanwhile” highlight absurdities in both parties. “Comedy isn’t about picking a team,” Colbert explained. “It’s about holding everyone accountable—including myself.”

Colbert’s evolution traces back to personal tragedy. The 1974 plane crash that killed his father and two brothers at ages 10 shaped his resilience and empathy. “Loss taught me life’s fragility,” he said, crediting faith for recovery. His Colbert Report character—a bombastic conservative pundit—was satire, not self-portrait, yet fans often conflated the two. Post-2015, The Late Show allowed vulnerability: interviews with Joe Biden on grief, or Pope Francis on mercy, revealed the man behind the jokes.

Public reaction to the interview was swift. #ConservativeColbert trended with 1.2 million posts, blending shock and admiration. Conservative outlets like National Review hailed him as “a bridge in polarized times,” while progressive voices on X expressed betrayal: “How can he roast Trump but vote pro-life?” Colbert addressed the divide on his November 6 broadcast: “Labels are lazy. I mock hypocrisy, not humanity.” The segment, featuring a skit where he debated his own caricature, drew 4.1 million viewers—his highest since the 2024 election.

Colbert’s influence extends beyond airwaves. His Spartina Foundation funds education in South Carolina, building three charter schools since 2020. He mentors young comics through the Colbert Comedy Fellowship at Second City, emphasizing craft over politics. Upcoming projects include a 2026 HBO special Colbert: Unfiltered, exploring faith and comedy, and a children’s book on empathy co-authored with his wife Evelyn.

Peers respect the complexity. Jon Stewart, returning for Daily Show Mondays, told Variety, “Stephen’s the real deal—funny because he’s thoughtful, not tribal.” Jimmy Kimmel quipped on air, “If Colbert’s conservative, I’m moving to Canada—wait, no, that’s his line.”

As Late Show nears its end, Colbert eyes new platforms. A Substack newsletter, Colbert’s Corner, launches in January 2026 with essays on culture and conscience. He plans a national tour blending stand-up and storytelling, visiting red and blue states alike. “America’s big enough for disagreement without disdain,” he said.

The interview humanized a polarizing figure. Fans rediscovered clips like his 2018 eulogy for his mother, or 2022’s defense of traditional marriage while supporting civil unions. Social media montages paired his Trump takedowns with pro-life PSAs, sparking dialogue: “Colbert proves you can critique power without abandoning principles.”

In a fractured media landscape, Colbert’s stance offers rare nuance. His finale season features guests from Ted Cruz to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, promising civil discourse amid laughs. As he told Times, “Comedy’s my ministry—truth through joy.”

For a host who built an empire on satire, the revelation feels fitting: Stephen Colbert, conservative Catholic, liberal laugh machine, American original. As the curtain falls on Late Show, his legacy isn’t left or right—it’s human.