The Colbert Report

Season 8

155 episodes 12 seasons

Release Date

Premiered

The Colbert Report Season 8 released on October 3, 2011.

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S08E01 Aired October 03, 2011

Jerome Groopman

Rick Perry's hunting camp once bore a racially charged name, Obamacare heads to the Supreme Court, and Jerome Groopman discusses medical decision-making.

S08E02 Aired October 04, 2011

John Lithgow

Rick Davis weighs in on Chris Christie fever, ESPN pulls Hank Williams Jr.'s song, and John Lithgow talks drama.

S08E03 Aired October 05, 2011

Black Star

Herman Cain gives his take on homosexuality, Mexico City proposes two-year marriage licenses, and Black Star performs.

S08E04 Aired October 06, 2011

Jason Amerine

Sarah Palin bows out of the presidential race, Stephen apologizes to Karl Rove, and Lieutenant Colonel Jason Amerine discusses the early days of the Afghanistan War.

S08E05 Aired October 17, 2011

Harry Belafonte

The Occupy Wall Street movement goes global, Stephen unveils Colbert Super PAC's NBA lockout ad, and Harry Belafonte talks political activism.

S08E06 Aired October 18, 2011

Steven Pinker

Herman Cain may or may not be joking about an electrified border fence, schools take potatoes off their menus, and Steven Pinker discusses the decline of human violence.

S08E07 Aired October 19, 2011

Ali Soufan

Herman Cain blames the unemployed, Republican candidates want to end EPA regulations, and Ali Soufan provides an inside look at the war on terror.

S08E08 Aired October 20, 2011

Coldplay

Libyan rebels kill Muammar al-Gaddafi, Tea Party Nation demands a hiring freeze from its members, and Coldplay perform from "Mylo Xyloto."

S08E09 Aired October 24, 2011

Jon Huntsman

Stephen unveils Colbert Super PAC's message, Frank Luntz conducts a focus group, and GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman talks about fixing America.

S08E10 Aired October 25, 2011

Susan Saladoff

Herman Cain's campaign ad gets buzz, Ben & Jerry's endorses Occupy Wall Street, and Susan Saladoff explores the myth of frivolous lawsuits.

S08E11 Aired October 26, 2011

Taylor Branch

PETA files a lawsuit to free captive whales, immigrant farm workers flee Alabama, and Taylor Branch discusses the multi-billion dollar college sports industry.

S08E12 Aired October 27, 2011

Toby Keith

Occupy Wall Street wears out its welcome, Stephen unveils his second NBA lockout Super PAC ad, and Toby Keith performs.

S08E13 Aired October 31, 2011

Neil MacGregor

Stephen joins Occupy Wall Street, Wisconsin allows concealed weapons in its Capitol, and Neil MacGregor tells the history of the world with 100 objects.

S08E14 Aired November 01, 2011

Yo-Yo Ma

Herman Cain's sexual harassment controversy unfolds; Stephen returns to Wall Street; and Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile perform.

S08E15 Aired November 02, 2011

Michael Pollan

Herman Cain discusses the Chinese nuclear threat, the government releases information on Muffingate, and Michael Pollan talks food.

S08E16 Aired November 03, 2011

Nathan Wolfe

Hans Beinholtz hawks Europe to investors, Colbert Super PAC adopts Herman Cain's fundraising strategy, and Nathan Wolfe examines viral pandemics.

S08E17 Aired November 07, 2011

Niall Ferguson

Make Us Great Again airs its Rick Perry ad, Colbert Super PAC takes on issue advocacy, and Niall Ferguson discusses the end of western dominance.

S08E18 Aired November 08, 2011

Seth Meyers

Herman Cain holds a press conference to address sexual harassment charges, Stephen saves Christmas, and Seth Meyers talks "Saturday Night Live."

S08E19 Aired November 09, 2011

Father James Martin

Herman Cain blames Democrats for his troubles, Michigan Senate Republicans amend an anti-bullying bill, and Father James Martin explores the role of comedy in religion.

S08E20 Aired November 10, 2011

Brian Eno

Barack Obama plans to station U.S. troops in Australia, Rick Perry bungles another debate, and Brian Eno sings a cappella with Michael Stipe and Stephen.

S08E21 Aired November 14, 2011

Thomas Thwaites

Michele Bachmann gets an e-mail snub, Bill McKibben opposes construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, and Thomas Thwaites talks toasters.

S08E22 Aired November 15, 2011

Elijah Wood

The NYPD dismantles Occupy Wall Street, investors accuse Goldline International of theft, and Elijah Wood talks Middle-earth and penguins.

S08E23 Aired November 16, 2011

Chris Matthews

Newt Gingrich defends his Greek cruise, Ron Paul supporters publish a pin-up calendar, and Chris Matthews discusses John F. Kennedy's elusive heroism.

S08E24 Aired November 17, 2011

Susan Orlean

People Magazine picks its sexiest man, the congressional super committee eyes veterans' healthcare benefits, and Susan Orlean discusses the life of Rin Tin Tin.

S08E25 Aired November 28, 2011

Siddhartha Mukherjee

Barack Obama omits God from his online Thanksgiving address, CNN lays off staffers in favor of user-generated content, and Siddhartha Mukherjee researches cancer.

S08E26 Aired November 29, 2011

Tinariwen

Herman Cain rethinks his candidacy, Pope Benedict XVI gets caught breaking the law, and Malian musical group Tinariwen performs.

S08E27 Aired November 30, 2011

Stephen Sondheim

Newt Gingrich denies lobbying, conservatives bid Barney Frank farewell, and Stephen Sondheim ponders the artist life.

S08E28 Aired December 01, 2011

Richard Branson

Senator Lori Klein defends Herman Cain, Bret Baier grills Mitt Romney, and Richard Branson explains why he wants to screw business as usual.

S08E29 Aired December 05, 2011

Jimmie Johnson

Herman Cain abandons his campaign, William Tapley studies apocalyptic signs, and Jimmie Johnson reveals NASCAR racing details.

S08E30 Aired December 06, 2011

The Black Keys

Iran claims to have captured an American drone, Donald Trump organizes his own GOP debate, and The Black Keys perform.

S08E31 Aired December 07, 2011

David Hallberg

Stephen sets the date for his GOP debate, Dick Harpootlian helps Colbert Super PAC with its referendum, and ballet dancer David Hallberg performs.

S08E32 Aired December 08, 2011

Jack Abramoff

Rick Perry puts out a controversial ad, doctors perform fecal transplants, and Jack Abramoff exposes the truth about Washington corruption.

S08E33 Aired December 12, 2011

Samuel L. Jackson

Newt Gingrich alerts America to electromagnetic threats, Norway faces a butter crisis, and Samuel L. Jackson considers Martin Luther King Jr.'s personal life.

S08E34 Aired December 13, 2011

Mark Whitaker

Donald Trump backs out of his debate, Madison charges protesters for the right to protest, and Mark Whitaker pays tribute to his parents with his memoir.

S08E35 Aired December 14, 2011

Raymond Odierno

Christine O'Donnell backs Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann frets over military bestiality, and Ray Odierno celebrates the troops homecoming from Iraq.

S08E36 Aired December 15, 2011

Daniel Craig

Nat Geo Wild pulls out their lion humping footage and Animal Planet sends honeydew melons to get in on Stephen's debate. Megyn Kelly clarifies that Mitt Romney and Barack Obama are not the same person. Daniel Craig reveals his technique for staying sexy and arm-wrestles Stephen.

S08E37 Aired January 03, 2012

Sen. Bernie Sanders

Rick Santorum rises in the polls, Stephen remembers the late Kim Jong-il, and Bernie Sanders strives to overturn the Citizens United decision.

S08E38 Aired January 04, 2012

John Heilemann

Mitt Romney qualifies his Iowa caucus victory with a familiar speech, Newt Gingrich calls Mitt Romney a liar, and John Heilemann weighs in on the GOP frontrunners.

S08E39 Aired January 05, 2012

Steve Case

George Will thinks that Rick Santorum is fun, Pat Robertson gets a message from God, and Steve Case explores the benefits of sharing.

S08E40 Aired January 09, 2012

Melissa Harris-Perry

Back-to-back New Hampshire GOP debates unfold, Rick Santorum offends African Americans, and Melissa Harris-Perry considers American history from a black female perspective.

S08E41 Aired January 10, 2012

Bill Moyers

Mitt Romney takes heat for a firing gaffe, conservative pundits attack White House celebrations, and Bill Moyers considers corporate personhood a threat to democracy.

S08E42 Aired January 11, 2012

George Stephanopoulos

Mitt Romney wins in New Hampshire, a Russian spacecraft threatens the Earth, and George Stephanopoulos weighs in on the GOP frontrunners.

S08E43 Aired January 12, 2012

Mike Allen

Jon Stewart adopts the Colbert Super PAC, Stephen makes a monumental announcement, and Mike Allen anticipates Stephen's possible South Carolina results.

S08E44 Aired January 16, 2012

Scott Douglas

Jon Stewart puts out an attack ad, Jon Huntsman withdraws from the presidential race, and Scott Douglas takes a stand against Alabama's anti-immigrant law.

S08E45 Aired January 17, 2012

Jennifer Granholm

A controversial Colbert Super PAC ad surfaces, pastor Ed Young leads a sexperimental crusade, and Jennifer Granholm confesses secrets from her past.

S08E46 Aired January 18, 2012

David Frum

Mitt Romney faces questions about his tax rate, Stephen announces his South Carolina rally, and David Frum shares his hopes for the Republican Party.

S08E47 Aired January 19, 2012

Carrie Rebora Barratt

Rick Perry drops out of the GOP race, Newt Gingrich's ex-wife exposes his controversial marital request, and Carrie Rebora Barratt discusses historical American art.

S08E48 Aired January 23, 2012

Bruce Bueno De Mesquita

Newt Gingrich wins South Carolina, Stephen recalls the South Cain-olina Primary Rally with Herman Cain, and Bruce Bueno de Mesquita explores the applications of game theory.

S08E49 Aired January 24, 2012

Andrew Sullivan

Rick Santorum panders to the elderly, Maurice Sendak discusses his literary work, and Andrew Sullivan praises Barack Obama's greatest accomplishments.

S08E50 Aired January 25, 2012

Terry Gross

Barack Obama delivers his State of the Union address, Maurice Sendak gives Stephen a storybook ending, and Terry Gross provides a fresh perspective on Bill O'Reilly.

S08E51 Aired January 26, 2012

Drew Barrymore

Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney woo Florida; John Harwood, Katrina vanden Heuvel and David Cassidy answer hard-hitting questions; and Drew Barrymore considers an "E.T." prequel.

S08E52 Aired January 30, 2012

Laurence H. Tribe

Stephen repossesses the Colbert Super PAC, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney compete for the Hispanic vote in Florida, and Laurence Tribe explores constitutional law.

S08E53 Aired January 31, 2012

Björk

Sarah Palin spitefully endorses Newt Gingrich, Tennessee Tea Partiers strive to remove slavery from school textbooks, and Björk explores new methods for creating music.

S08E54 Aired February 01, 2012

Ameena Matthews

Mitt Romney beats Newt Gingrich in Florida, Stephen announces Americone Dream's 2012 election edition packaging, and Ameena Matthews strives to end gang violence.

S08E55 Aired February 02, 2012

Christiane Amanpour

Stephen unveils GOP super PACs' biggest donors, Newt Gingrich faces a copyright infringement lawsuit, and Christiane Amanpour examines Iran's political environment.

S08E56 Aired February 13, 2012

Bill McKibben

The New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin seduces America, Stephen writes a love letter to Jimmy Fallon, and Bill McKibben fights the Keystone XL pipeline.

S08E57 Aired February 14, 2012

William J. Broad

Catholics oppose the Obama administration's birth control mandate, a Seattle woman marries a building, and William Broad considers the effects of yoga on the mind and body.

S08E58 Aired February 20, 2012

Ann Patchett

Mitt Romney deploys Donald Trump in Michigan, Rick Santorum attacks environmentalists, and Ann Patchett fights to revive bookstores.

S08E59 Aired February 21, 2012

Robert Kagan

Prince Pierre Casiraghi of Monaco sustains a beating, Nancy Pelosi slams Colbert Super PAC, and Robert Kagan examines Iran's potential nuclear threat.

S08E60 Aired February 22, 2012

Nancy Pelosi

Stephen gives up something he truly enjoys for Lent, Target knows when customers miss their periods, and Nancy Pelosi objects to super PACs.

S08E61 Aired February 23, 2012

Placido Domingo

Mitt Romney wins the Arizona GOP debate, Elie Wiesel protests the Mormon conversion of dead Jews, and Placido Domingo discusses his operatic performances.

S08E62 Aired February 27, 2012

Peggielene Bartels

The Oscars' liberal clusterfarce unfolds, Rick Santorum criticizes Barack Obama's promotion of higher learning, and Peggielene Bartels talks about her kingship.

S08E63 Aired February 28, 2012

Ross Eisenbrey

The Colbert Report airs its 1000th episode, rising oil prices threaten Barack Obama's approval rating, and Ross Eisenbrey examines the problem of unpaid labor.

S08E64 Aired February 29, 2012

William Shatner

Mitt Romney takes Michigan, researchers develop a male birth control pill, and William Shatner revels in his own beauty.

S08E65 Aired March 01, 2012

Claire Danes

Republicans eye Jeb Bush as a potential GOP candidate, researchers discover a 3500-year-old "Yo Mama" joke, and Claire Danes discusses mental health.

S08E66 Aired March 05, 2012

Audra McDonald

Host Stephen Colbert interviews Audra McDonald and discusses the day's news and important topics.

S08E67 Aired March 06, 2012

Jonathan Safran Foer

Stephen prepares a Super Tuesday tailgating party, Attorney General Holder redefines due process, candy bars shrink, and Jonathan Safran Foer talks Passover traditions.

S08E68 Aired March 07, 2012

Willem Dafoe

Stephen prepares for Super Tuesday results, CNN visits a virtual Republican National Convention, Iran poses a new threat, and Willem Dafoe goes Martian for "John Carter."

S08E69 Aired March 08, 2012

Don Fleming, Elvis Costello, & Emmylou Harris

Stephen prank calls Eric Bolling, is inspired by Herman Cain's avant-garde ad, and talks folk music with Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris and Don Fleming.

S08E70 Aired March 12, 2012

Katherine Boo

The Republican Southern primary leads to blue collar pandering, Dave "Mudcat" Saunders talks Southern strategy, and Katherine Boo discusses poverty and Mumbai's slums.

S08E71 Aired March 13, 2012

Andrew Bird

Seattle's Pop Conference overlooks Stephen's dissertation; Pat Robertson and Muslim-American reality shows pose threats; and Andrew Bird performs "Eyeoneye."

S08E72 Aired March 14, 2012

Mark McKinnon

Greg Smith is a "Banker-dict Arnold," Rick Santorum condemns teleprompters, Kermit the Frog weighs in on the GOP primary race, and Mark McKinnon talks about reforming Congress.

S08E73 Aired March 15, 2012

Dexter Filkins

Stephen is suspicious of geriatric jihadists, Rick Santorum speaks from his heart, and Dexter Filkins tells Stephen why we need other countries.

S08E74 Aired March 26, 2012

David Page

Geraldo Rivera blames the Trayvon Martin shooting on hoodies, Mitt Romney boosts Etch a Sketch sales, and biomedical researcher Dr. David Page defends the Y chromosome.

S08E75 Aired March 27, 2012

Charles Murray

Host Stephen Colbert interviews Charles Murray and discusses the day's news and important topics.

S08E76 Aired March 28, 2012

Mark Ruffalo

The Supreme Court weighs in on Obamacare, a new magazine targets conservative teens, and Mark Ruffalo discusses the dangers of fracking.

S08E77 Aired March 29, 2012

Peter Beinart

Stephen involves college students with Colbert Super PAC, Mitt Romney tries comedy, and Peter Beinart discusses Israel.

S08E78 Aired April 02, 2012

Gary Johnson

College students order up Colbert Super PAC's Super Fun Pack, beef state governors defend pink slime, and Governor Gary Johnson runs as the 2012 Libertarian candidate.

S08E79 Aired April 03, 2012

Nikki Haley

Colbert Super PAC Super Fun Pack adds not-legal advice, Colbert Super PAC SHH! faces scrutiny, Rick Santorum speaks from his heart, and Governor Nikki Haley challenges Stephen.

S08E80 Aired April 04, 2012

Robert Ballard

Colbert Super PAC segments earn a Peabody award, Mitt Romney must appeal to Latino voters, Quaker Oats gets a facelift, and deep sea explorer Robert Ballard talks Titanic.

S08E81 Aired April 05, 2012

Anne Rice

Unemployment drops, Colbert's Very Wanted tracks a mailbox mutilator, a biker brightens Stephen's commute, and Anne Rice deals with werewolf psychology in "The Wolf Gift."

S08E82 Aired April 09, 2012

Bob Lutz

The Easter Bunny meets competition down under, Mitt Romney reaps a potential running mate, Germany's elderly gymnast depresses Stephen, and Bob Lutz talks car business.

S08E83 Aired April 10, 2012

Richard Hersh

Rick Santorum drops his presidential campaign, the EPA sets coal industry regulations, Stephen honors male "Lady Heroes," and Richard Hersh examines higher education.

S08E84 Aired April 11, 2012

Michelle Obama

Troops and their families face unique economic challenges, Stephen trains a Marine to be a pundit, and Michelle Obama voices support for military families.

S08E85 Aired April 12, 2012

James Cameron

Mitt Romney flips the "war on women" script with the help of Hilary Rosen, survivalist singles embrace online dating, and director James Cameron talks "Titanic 3D."

S08E86 Aired April 16, 2012

Bonnie Raitt

The Secret Service commits a sex scandal, Newt Gingrich endorses global gun rights, and blues performer Bonnie Raitt sings from her album "Slipstream."

S08E87 Aired April 17, 2012

Jonah Lehrer

Mitt Romney reveals his prankster side, insects add color to Starbucks drinks, GSA spending sparks outrage, and Jonah Lehrer explores creativity.

S08E88 Aired April 18, 2012

Arianna Huffington

Mitt Romney seeks a bland running mate, Tennessee outlaws "gateway sexual activity" education, survivalists plan for the unthinkable, and Arianna Huffington talks journalism.

S08E89 Aired April 19, 2012

Tavis Smiley & Cornel West

Cory Booker saves one of his constituents, bologna smuggling is on the rise, Time Magazine honors Stephen, and guests Tavis Smiley and Cornel West talk poverty in America.

S08E90 Aired April 23, 2012

Don McLeroy

Steve Doocy reports on Barack Obama's subtext, Arizona redefines pregnancy, Mitt Romney insults a Pittsburgh bakery, and Don McLeroy discusses textbook standards.

S08E91 Aired April 24, 2012

Magnus Carlsen

Super Tuesday II goes live, Stephen plugs his children's book, Julie Andrews discusses fairy tales, Canada creates a bioluminescent coin, and Magnus Carlsen talks chess.

S08E92 Aired April 25, 2012

Michael Sandel

NASA shuts down its "Spacebook" site, some blame immigrants for global warming, feeding tube diets gain popularity, and Michael Sandel considers market ethics.

S08E93 Aired April 26, 2012

Jack White

Republicans attack Barack Obama's slow jam, Stephen releases the first Super Fun Pack treasure hunt clue, and Jack White discusses his solo album and rare marketing ploy.

S08E94 Aired April 30, 2012

Diane Keaton

Chen Guangcheng escapes house arrest, Missouri wants to outlaw sexuality dialogue in schools, companies offer "concealed carry" clothing, and Diane Keaton promotes her memoir.

S08E95 Aired May 01, 2012

Carne Ross

Barack Obama makes an Osama bin Laden ad, Paul Ryan plans cuts to poor people, Rev. Thomas Reese contests Paul Ryan's budget, and Carne Ross recommends leaderless democracy.

S08E96 Aired May 02, 2012

Jonathan Haidt

Designers craft a Richard Branson ice mold, debt collectors infiltrate hospitals, Germany censures Kermit the Frog, and Jonathan Haidt discusses conflict and politics.

S08E97 Aired May 03, 2012

Lena Dunham

Newt Gingrich suspends his campaign and backs Mitt Romney, Stephen tracks a Super PAC rival, Buzz Aldrin presents a space award, and writer Lena Dunham talks "Girls."

S08E98 Aired May 07, 2012

Andy Cohen

L.A. teens drink Purell, Joe Biden supports same-sex marriage, Eric McCormack plays a straight man, bears hijack broadcasting, and TV host Andy Cohen talks entertainment.

S08E99 Aired May 08, 2012

Michelle Alexander

Billionaires need donor anonymity, Claire McCaskill opposes secret money, Stephen honors the late Maurice Sendak, and Michelle Alexander examines racial inequality.

S08E100 Aired May 09, 2012

Anna Wintour

An ex-Playmate jolts Mexico's debate, North Carolina snubs gay marriage as Barack Obama backs it, Jon McNaughton paints socialist America, and Anna Wintour talks fashion.

S08E101 Aired May 10, 2012

Dr. Francis Collins

Stephen salutes Mother's Day, Barack Obama rejects Jesus, gay strokes and monkeys threaten America, Republicans forge identities, and Francis Collins examines obesit

S08E102 Aired May 29, 2012

Charlize Theron

Donald Trump makes a contentious claim, Egypt kicks off its presidential elections, and Charlize Theron discusses her film "Snow White and the Huntsman."

S08E103 Aired May 30, 2012

Alan Alda

A Mexican cartel burns down PepsiCo, gay bars target bachelorettes, Mitt Romney breaks into iPhone apps, Robert Mugabe heads global tourism, and Alan Alda talks science.

S08E104 Aired May 31, 2012

Jack Hitt

"I Am a Pole (And So Can You!)" gains Best Seller status, the Obama administration redefines "combatants," Michael Bloomberg confronts soda, and Jack Hitt talks amateurism.

S08E105 Aired June 04, 2012

John Lewis

America's leaders talk like teens, North Carolina bans climate change models, Represent-O-Map 6000 fuels BKAD bookings, and John Lewis describes the civil rights movement.

S08E106 Aired June 05, 2012

Jill Biden

The CDC denies the zombie apocalypse, America exports the most sperm, a North Dakota woman marries herself, and Dr. Jill Biden reflects on teaching and troops.

S08E107 Aired June 06, 2012

Neil Patrick Harris

The private sector plans Mars reality TV, Scott Walker prevails in Wisconsin, an Arkansas town bans bingo, Neil Patrick Harris talks theater, and Stephen honors Ray Bradbury.

S08E108 Aired June 07, 2012

Regina Spektor

Pakistan's "Sesame Street" faces corruption, Mitt Romney's house meets critique, a pig divides America, and singer Regina Spektor talks about music and Russia.

S08E109 Aired June 11, 2012

Martin Sheen

Neil deGrasse Tyson wrecks movies, the Church scorns a nun's sex book, Simone Campbell explores service, the Banana Bunker prevents bruising, and Martin Sheen talks acting.

S08E110 Aired June 12, 2012

Will Allen

Mitt Romney owns a competition horse, the U.S. leaks anti-terror info, Barack Obama blunders, Stephen seeks Sweden's Twitter, and Will Allen talks urban farms.

S08E111 Aired June 13, 2012

Greg Allman

Niagara Falls welcomes a stuntman, cafeteria workers demand expired food, orangutans operate iPads, and Gregg Allman recalls his rock 'n' roll past.

S08E112 Aired June 14, 2012

Steve Coll

Marijuana legalization can win elections, Super PACs raise more money than ad space, Xiaflex treatment corrects curved penises, and Steve Coll examines ExxonMobil.

S08E113 Aired June 18, 2012

Paul Krugman

Barack Obama changes immigration policy, Neil Munro interrupts the president, Sweden confronts Stephen's Twitter-control crusade, and Paul Krugman talks economic strategy.

S08E114 Aired June 19, 2012

Olivia Wilde

John Kerry plays Mitt Romney in practice debates, Stephen invents a dressage tradition, PooPrints tracks suburban dog waste, and Olivia Wilde talks Maxim and politics.

S08E115 Aired June 20, 2012

Daniel Klaidman

Asians outnumber Mexican immigrants, the "Fast and Furious" scandal proves complex, a gun control ad causes controversy, and Daniel Klaidman examines the war on terror.

S08E116 Aired June 21, 2012

Lawrence Krauss

Officials delay Egypt's presidential election, penguins engage in erotic sex, Stephen sings to Sweden's Twitter executives, and Lawrence Krauss discusses the universe.

S08E117 Aired June 25, 2012

Frank Deford

The Supreme Court postpones Obamacare rulings, Mitt Romney asks Florida to limit good jobs news, teens abuse drugs to study better, and Frank Deford explores sports writing.

S08E118 Aired June 26, 2012

Richard Ford

Arizona pursues state immigration laws, Pixar flaunts its gay agenda, Dish Network's AutoHop removes all TV ads, and writer Richard Ford talks about his novel "Canada."

S08E119 Aired June 27, 2012

Melinda Gates

Democrats lack money for the national convention, Mike Turzai sparks Voter ID controversy, Oreo cookies come out of the closet, and Melinda Gates explores family planning.

S08E120 Aired June 28, 2012

Aaron Sorkin

Obamacare passes as constitutional, Republicans slam John Roberts, Emily Bazelon explains the Obamacare tax, and Aaron Sorkin romanticizes TV journalism in "The Newsroom."

S08E121 Aired July 16, 2012

Anne-Marie Slaughter

Katie Holmes divorces Tom Cruise, Mitt Romney retroactively retires from Bain Capital, Starbucks hits funeral homes, and Anne-Marie Slaughter talks career choice and family.

S08E122 Aired July 17, 2012

Nas

Nevada's presidential ballot threatens Mitt Romney, Texas Republicans reject critical thinking education, the Rosenbach Museum honors Stephen, and Nas talks hip-hop.

S08E123 Aired July 18, 2012

Mayor Annise D. Parker

Mitt Romney spotlights struggling waiters, tablet computers go Christian, Def Leppard covers its songs, and Houston Mayor Annise Parker talks business and gay marriage.

S08E124 Aired July 19, 2012

Lisa Jackson

Police bust Fred Willard for lewd conduct, Dave Leonhardt explores the Libor scandal, Canadians out-earn Americans, and Lisa Jackson talks green standards.

S08E125 Aired July 23, 2012

Vikram Gandhi

Mike Tyson bails on The Report, liberal shills love Shepard Smith, pundits speculate about James Holmes' political ties, and filmmaker Vikram Gandhi explores made-up philosophy.

S08E126 Aired July 24, 2012

James Fallows

Late night television causes depression, America faces a disastrous drought, NASA schedules vegan meals, and James Fallows explores China's aerospace business.

S08E127 Aired July 25, 2012

Dan Gross

Mitt Romney values his Anglo-Saxon heritage, Barack Obama discusses entrepreneurship, "Fifty Shades of Grey" reaches hotels, and Dan Gross shares his gun control campaign.

S08E128 Aired July 26, 2012

Peter Westmacott

Engineers enhance Olympic sounds, Mitt Romney offends England, Chick-Fil-A opposes gay marriage, and Peter Westmacott discusses the summer Olympic games.

S08E129 Aired July 30, 2012

Joan Rivers

Danny Boyle directs the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, Mitt Romney lacks dressage expertise, Tony Robbins' fire stunt burns participants, and Joan Rivers shares her memoir.

S08E130 Aired July 31, 2012

Jeff Koons

Mitt Romney's press secretary lashes out, Rafalca delays Mitt's VP announcement, Colbert Nation plans for StePhest Colbchella '012, and Jeff Koons explores arts education.

S08E131 Aired August 01, 2012

John Grunsfeld

Obamacare mandates birth control coverage, Democrats pass a Democratic tax bill, U.S.women's gymnastics wins Olympic gold, and John Grunsfeld shares NASA's plan for Mars.

S08E132 Aired August 02, 2012

Chris Hayes

Rafalca finishes one round of Olympic dressage, Russ Carnahan touts Missouri's redistricted district, plants talk to each other, and Chris Hayes describesbe U.S. elitism.

S08E133 Aired August 06, 2012

Pete Seeger

NASA's Curiosity rover reaches Mars, Mike Huckabee's "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" boosts sales, and activist Pete Seeger discusses his music career and upbringing.

S08E134 Aired August 07, 2012

Mark Shriver

Alisyn Camerota criticizes U.S. patriotism, Wikipedia writers sway elections, Steve King defends dogfighting, and Mark Shriver highlights his father's civic influence.

S08E135 Aired August 08, 2012

Liza Mundy

Obamacare increases Papa John's pizza rates, digital pills hold seniors accountable, General Mills backs same-sex marriage, and Liza Mundy examines women in the workforce.

S08E136 Aired August 09, 2012

Woody Harrelson

Michele Bachmann dabbles in McCarthyism, Representative Keith Ellison turns down Mitt Romney, scientists analyze truthiness, and Woody Harrelson talks theater.

S08E137 Aired August 13, 2012

fun.

StePhest Colbchella '012 gets underway, Mitt Romney picks Paul Ryan as his running mate, and fun. reviews their history and hygiene.

S08E138 Aired August 14, 2012

Grizzly Bear

Colbchella '012 launches into night two, Mitt Romney's foreign experience comes into question, celebrities simulate soldiers, and Grizzly Bear describes their indie style.

S08E139 Aired August 15, 2012

Santigold

StePhest Colbchella '012 embarks on night three, U.S. gymnastics' Fierce Five stops by The Report, Stephen visits the USS Intrepid, and Santigold discusses her music.

S08E140 Aired August 16, 2012

The Flaming Lips

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan connect over policy, GOP Senate candidates challenge the 17th Amendment, and The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne shares his latest album.

S08E141 Aired August 28, 2012

Andrew Sullivan

Hurricane Isaac hits the 2012 GOP convention, Stephen hosts Colbert Super PAC's Convention, Rep. Todd Akin blunders on rape pregnancy, and Andrew Sullivan talks U.S. politics.

S08E142 Aired August 29, 2012

Jennifer Burns

The "Mitt Romney story" storms the GOP convention, Ann Romney tries to reach women voters, Paul Ryan breaks from Ayn Rand, and Jennifer Burns explores Ayn Rand's objectivism.

S08E143 Aired August 30, 2012

Jon Huntsman

Mitt Romney struggles to attract African American voters, Paul Ryan lies in his GOP convention speech, and Jon Huntsman examines campaign finance and the Republican Party.

S08E144 Aired August 31, 2012

James Carville

Mitt Romney wraps up the GOP convention, Clint Eastwood's empty chair joins Stephen, Neil Armstrong passes away, and James Carville talks about the middle class.

S08E145 Aired September 04, 2012

Reihan Salam

The DNC convention begins, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke praises Brooklyn's diversity, Paul Ryan lies about marathon times, and Reihan Salam explores election politics.

S08E146 Aired September 05, 2012

Michael Grunwald

Brit Hume critiques the DNC convention noise level, Michelle Obama rakes in record tweet numbers during her speech, and Michael Grunwald explores the Recovery Act.

S08E147 Aired September 06, 2012

Bill Richardson

Storms disrupt the Democratic National Convention, Bill Clinton delivers a charming speech, Democrats reinstate "God" language, and Bill Richardson talks Hispanic outreach.

S08E148 Aired September 07, 2012

Ed Rendell

A catchy message indulges young voters, Barack Obama accepts the Democratic nomination, Stephen analyzes both conventions, and Ed Rendell examines government leadership.

S08E149 Aired September 17, 2012

Drew Faust

Rick Santorum errs at a conservative summit, Mitt Romney misconstrues Obama's handling of Libya, Ira Glass calls the Atone Phone, and Drew Faust reviews Civil War history.

S08E150 Aired September 18, 2012

Jeffrey Toobin

USA Today redesigns its logo, Mitt Romney responds to secret fundraiser footage, Apple wins a patent lawsuit, and Jeffrey Toobin details Supreme Court cases.

S08E151 Aired September 19, 2012

Itzhak Perlman

Fox News slams Barack Obama's secret video, Mitt Romney explains what he won't do in office, a papyrus scrap mentions Jesus' wife, and violinist Itzhak Perlman performs live.

S08E152 Aired September 20, 2012

Errol Morris

Vladimir Putin glides with cranes, Mitt Romney tries to sway Hispanics, an amateur painter botches Jesus, and Errol Morris talks Jeffrey MacDonald and filmmaking.

S08E153 Aired September 25, 2012

Claressa Shields

Barack Obama leads Mitt Romney in the polls, Peggy Noonan gives Mitt advice, the NFL lockout bumps up ratings, and boxer Claressa Shields describes a satisfying punch.

S08E154 Aired September 26, 2012

Jim Holt

The world faces an unavoidable bacon shortage, President Obama restores the Ottoman Empire, churchgoers pray for Mitt Romney, and Jim Holt ponders the universe.

S08E155 Aired September 27, 2012

Vince Gilligan

Stephen promotes "America Again," Mitt Romney ignores discouraging polls, Fox News doubts the election forecast, and Vince Gilligan explores his series "Breaking Bad.