Olivia Asher is a reporter at the New Herald Tribune covering breaking news for the Digital Trends Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Plain Dealer.
September 15 , 2025
Nashville - Late-night host and political satirist Stephen Colbert will temporarily assume hosting duties of The Charlie Kirk Show following the assassination of conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot outside a private event in Scottsdale, Arizona, on September 10. Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody, though a motive has not yet been publicly disclosed. Federal and state investigations are ongoing.
The decision to continue the podcast came after discussions between Kirk’s family, Turning Point USA leadership, and members of Kirk’s production team. In a joint statement released Monday, they announced that Colbert would serve as guest host for a limited run of episodes “in the spirit of continuing public dialogue and defying political violence.”
“Charlie was never afraid of controversy, nor of conversation,” the statement read. “We believe that giving the microphone to someone from a different perspective—especially one who often criticized Charlie—honors that legacy in an unexpected but fitting way.”
Colbert, known for his politically charged humor and as host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, acknowledged the complexity of the role.
“This is not something I ever imagined or asked for,” Colbert said. “But when approached with the opportunity to help keep Charlie’s platform alive—even briefly—I felt compelled to say yes. This isn’t about agreement. It’s about keeping discourse from dying alongside those who engage in it.”
The temporary hosting arrangement is set to last for two weeks, during which Colbert will invite a range of guests from across the political spectrum. According to a spokesperson for Colbert’s team, the episodes will be “respectful, honest, and guided by a belief in the value of disagreement.”
Reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Some members of the conservative community expressed unease over the choice, with critics questioning whether Colbert, a frequent critic of right-wing politics, is the appropriate figure to carry the mantle—however temporarily. Others, however, have voiced support for the unexpected gesture.
“I never thought I’d say this, but I’m going to listen,” one Turning Point USA supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “If this is how we honor Charlie—by keeping the conversation going—then I’m here for it.”
Meanwhile, liberal-leaning fans of Colbert were equally divided, with some praising his decision as “courageous” and others calling it “misguided.”
A memorial service for Kirk is scheduled for next week in Phoenix, with national political figures expected to attend. A more permanent plan for The Charlie Kirk Show's future will be announced after the initial run of episodes hosted by Colbert concludes.
In the meantime, Colbert’s first episode as guest host will air Monday, September 22, on all major podcast platforms.
The murder of Charlie Kirk has reignited national debate around political violence, free speech, and the limits of civil discourse. As one of the most unlikely media handoffs in recent memory unfolds, many will be listening closely—not just for content, but for the tone in which it's delivered.
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