Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone brought laughter, nostalgia, and a moment of unexpected emotion to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday night — all sparked by the realization that there might not be a “next time.”

The Bugonia star was in the middle of a charming and playful interview when she jokingly pitched doing a sketch with Colbert in the future. “Okay! Next time,” she said cheerfully — then froze. The grin faded, her eyes widened, and a dawning sense of reality set in. “Wait! Noooo!”

Stone collapsed theatrically onto Colbert’s desk, grabbing his hand in a moment that blended comedy with genuine heartbreak. It was a funny, touching beat — and one that perfectly captured the bittersweet countdown to The Late Show’s final episode, set for May 2026.

A Sketch That Might Never Happen

What began as a lighthearted exchange quickly turned into a fan-favorite moment. When Stone pitched the idea of doing a sketch together, Colbert eagerly agreed. “We 100% could,” he said.

“Next time!” Stone exclaimed, clearly excited.

Then — that split-second pause.

“Wait! Noooo!” she said, realizing that time was running out. She buried her head in her and Colbert’s hands as if trying to reverse the clock. Colbert, known for his comedic empathy, leaned in too — embracing the moment with humor and warmth.

Ever the showman, Colbert tried to lift the mood. “Hey! I’m here until May, baby,” he told her with a smile. “We’ll write it up. We’ll send you some pitches. Now you have to do a sketch.”

Stone, still processing the moment, nodded earnestly. “I’ll do a sketch with you. I’d love to.”

A Mother’s Influence — and a Director Who Listens

Beyond the bittersweet exchange, the interview also revealed some touching behind-the-scenes details about Stone’s creative world — especially the surprising influence of her mom, Krista.

Stone credited her mother with shaping her taste from an early age, including introducing her to Saturday Night Live and classic comedy legends like Gilda Radner. “She’s my absolute hero,” Stone said of Radner, reflecting on the early comedy that inspired her.

That passion has clearly endured. Stone has now hosted SNL five times — something she lit up about during the interview. “It’s the best,” she said, calling it her “favorite place in the entire world.”

But it turns out her mother is more than just a mentor — she’s also become a trusted creative advisor to Bugonia director Yorgos Lanthimos.

Stone, who has worked with Lanthimos on four films, revealed that he regularly seeks input from Krista. During post-production on Bugonia, Lanthimos reportedly asked, “What did Krista think?” about a particular scene.

Stone recalled, “I was like, ‘Well, there is this one scene that she thinks is too much of this moment and should go like this,’ and he was like, ‘OK,’ and then he edited it!”

The anecdote stunned the audience — and delighted Colbert. “He listens to your mom?” he asked.

Stone confirmed with a laugh. “He really respects her taste. He’s like, ‘Well, if Krista said it, OK. Yeah, I’ll change it.’”

A Bittersweet Farewell Looms

As The Late Show marches toward its final season finale in May 2026, interviews like this one are taking on added weight. For fans, each new guest appearance — especially from favorites like Emma Stone — feels more precious. And for Colbert, the mix of playful goodbyes and unexpected emotion has created some of the show’s most memorable recent moments.

The Emmy-winning host hasn’t shied away from acknowledging the show’s end — though he’s continued to bring the same energy, intellect, and sharp wit that have defined his run since 2015. With the finish line in sight, even his guests are starting to feel it.

Emma Stone’s mid-interview realization — a sudden, unscripted moment of vulnerability — reminded everyone watching that sometimes, we don’t know a “last time” is coming until it’s already slipping away.

But there’s still time.

Colbert is still here “until May, baby,” and if we know anything about late-night television, it’s this: one sketch can go a long way.

So here’s hoping that sketch with Emma Stone still makes it to air — not just because it’ll be funny, but because it’s the kind of moment we’ll want to remember when the curtain finally comes down.