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Stephen Colbert‘s iconic run on The Late Show ends May 21 with all-star late-night hosts taking over his desk. The legendary comedian is pulling out every stop for his final week, featuring an unprecedented reunion of rivals-turned-friends. Here’s what to expect from late-night’s greatest goodbye tour.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Episode: Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11:35 PM ET on CBS
- Show Duration: 11 seasons, 33 years of Late Show legacy since 1993
- May 11 Lineup: Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, John Oliver
- May 14 Guest: David Letterman, original Late Show creator from 1993
Late-Night Legends Reunite for Strike Force Five Spectacular
Monday, May 11 marks a watershed moment in late-night history. Colbert is reuniting with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver on his final week of broadcasting. These five rivals have co-hosted a 12-episode podcast series called “Strike Force Five,” proving comedy’s fiercest competitors share genuine camaraderie. The all-star Monday episode promises unfiltered conversation between the hosts, likely featuring behind-the-scenes anecdotes and comedic roasts viewers won’t see anywhere else. This reunion represents a rare moment of late-night unity in an era typically defined by competitive timeslots.
The May 11 episode carries enormous cultural significance. It’s the first time these four legendary hosts have appeared together on one stage, creating must-watch television for late-night fans. Colbert clearly wanted to end his era by celebrating his relationships with the people who understand his world best. Industry insiders describe it as “an emotional tribute” to his 11-year tenure and the competitive friendships he’s built with fellow late-night titans.
Stephen Colbert’s last Late Show airs May 21, featuring all-star late-night host guests
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Letterman’s Return: Passing the Torch One Last Time
On Thursday, May 14, legendary broadcaster David Letterman returns to the Ed Sullivan Theater where he hosted the show for 22 years before retiring in 2015. Letterman launched “The Late Show” in 1993, creating the iconic franchise that became part of television history. When he stepped down, he personally handed the reins to Colbert, making their May 14 appearance deeply poignant. This is Letterman’s first major television appearance since his retirement, making it a television event in itself.
Letterman’s return comes after he recently criticized CBS for the cancellation, calling the network “lying weasels.” His appearance on Colbert’s final week suggests personal respect trumps corporate disputes. The two iconic hosts will likely reminisce about memorable moments, A-list celebrities, and the irreplaceable legacy of late-night television in the streaming era.
Presidential and Celebrity Dreams: Obama to Field to Krasinski
This week features former President Barack Obama, marking one of Colbert‘s most significant interviews yet. Obama joins Sally Field, John Krasinski, Chris Stapleton, and Evie McGee (Colbert’s wife) as final-week guests. According to TV Insider, the network confirmed these appearances represent a who’s-who of Colbert favorites spanning 11 seasons of memorable conversations. Previous reports mention guests including Bryan Cranston, Anderson Cooper, Keanu Reeves, Andy Serkis, and Meryl Streep.
| Date | Guest(s) | Notable Details |
| May 7-9 | Barack Obama, Sally Field, John Krasinski, Chris Stapleton, Evie McGee | First confirmed guests of final week |
| May 11 | Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, John Oliver | Strike Force Five reunion, podcast co-hosts |
| May 14 | David Letterman | Original Late Show creator, 1993-2015 |
| May 21 | TBA | Final episode, 11:35 PM ET on CBS |
“I’m not thrilled about the upcoming end of his talk show. It feels real now. I know it was real, but now there are three months left.”
Stephen Colbert, reflecting on the show’s ending
Why The Late Show Is Ending After 33 Years on CBS
CBS shocked the television world in July 2025 by announcing the cancellation of “The Late Show.” The network described the decision as “purely financial,” citing “a challenging backdrop in late night.” Paramount executives emphasized this had nothing to do with show performance, content, or Colbert specifically. CBS is replacing the 11:35 PM slot with “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen,” a syndicated talk show starting in June 2026. This marks the end of 33 years of Late Show legacy that began with David Letterman in 1993.
Colbert has remained gracious despite the surprise cancellation. He declined a five-year contract extension from CBS, choosing instead to end his tenure with dignity and creative closure. Industry sources report that Colbert and Letterman both expressed frustration with the network’s decision, with Letterman particularly vocal about viewing CBS as having broken faith with late-night television’s historical importance.
What Does the Late-Night Future Hold Without Colbert?
With Colbert’s departure, a television era genuinely ends. Seth Meyers on NBC, Jimmy Fallon on NBC, and Jimmy Kimmel on ABC continue their respective franchises. Yet Colbert represented something distinct: a satirical voice rooted in political commentary and authentic conversation. “Comics Unleashed” promises a different format, focusing on stand-up comedy rather than interview-driven storytelling. Late-night fans wonder if the cultural institution that defined prime-time television for three decades can truly be replaced by syndicated programming. Colbert‘s final broadcast on May 21 will undoubtedly serve as late night’s farewell moment to an unforgettable chapter of television history.
