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The legendary Strike Force Five is making an emergency reunion. Five powerhouse late-night hosts, led by Stephen Colbert, are dropping their first episode in almost 3 years on May 13. This milestone 13th episode arrives just days before the Late Show’s final episode on May 21, marking a bittersweet goodbye to one of TV’s most iconic franchises.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Episode 13: First new Strike Force Five episode drops May 13, 2026 on all podcast platforms
- Historic Gap: Last episode aired in October 2023, marking 32 months between releases
- Five Hosts: Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, John Oliver reunite
- Tribute Episode: Released to honor The Late Show finale as the program ends after 9 seasons
Five Star Power Returns for a Late Show Goodbye
Strike Force Five, the beloved podcast born during the 2023 Hollywood writers and actors strikes, is making its triumphant return. The five late-night titans originally created the show to support striking crew members who lost income. Now, they’re reuniting for what may be their most important episode yet.
The reunion comes at a pivotal moment in late-night television. CBS cancelled The Late Show on July 17, 2025, giving Colbert a full year to wrap up the legendary program that defined an era of comedy and commentary.
Strike Force Five reunites for 13th episode dropping May 13, honoring Colbert’s Late Show finale
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How Strike Force Five Became a Cultural Phenomenon
When the 2023 strikes shut down Hollywood production, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver did the unthinkable. Five competitors from different networks joined forces on a single podcast, breaking industry boundaries. All proceeds went directly to support out-of-work crew members left stranded by the labor stoppage.
The podcast ran for 12 consecutive episodes, each lasting roughly 60 minutes. Episodes covered everything from fishing trips and childhood memories to behind-the-scenes stories from their respective shows. Fans loved the chemistry, the inside jokes, and the genuine camaraderie between rivals.
Episode 13 Details and Release Information
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | May 13, 2026 |
| Episode Number | 13 (First since October 2023) |
| Platforms | Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, all major platforms |
| Hosts | Colbert, Fallon, Kimmel, Meyers, Oliver |
“Emergency Strike Force Five episode loading.”
— The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, official announcement
Why This Episode Matters More Than You Think
This isn’t just another podcast episode. Strike Force Five represents something rare in modern television, a moment when five competing late-night hosts put aside network rivalries to support each other and their crew. The original 12 episodes became a cultural touchstone, proving that authenticity and humor transcend competitive boundaries.
The Late Show’s cancellation marks the end of an era. Colbert’s show has dominated late-night comedy for nearly a decade, featuring countless viral moments and cultural conversations. This final episode of Strike Force Five serves as a salute from the entire late-night community, a collective goodbye from peers who respect what Colbert built.
What Does the Future Hold for Late Night?
With Byron Allen’s Comics Unleashed taking over The Late Show’s time slot on May 21, late-night television enters uncharted territory. The days of monologue-driven talk shows may be shifting, but the spirit of Strike Force Five suggests that genuine connection between broadcasters will never go out of style. Will these five hosts reunite again, or is May 13 the final episode fans will ever hear?
Sources
- Deadline – Late-night hosts announce new Strike Force Five special episode in May 2026
- LateNighter – Reunited Strike Force Five records 13th podcast episode, out Wednesday
- North Jersey.com – Stephen Colbert sets final Late Show guest schedule with Strike Force Five reunion
