Stephen Colbert is gearing up to bid farewell to his Late Show, with his final episode scheduled to air on May 21. In anticipation of this momentous occasion, he recently joined forces with fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver for a memorable joint interview on May 11.
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The gathering was not just a celebration of Colbert’s successful run but also a reunion of the crew that previously collaborated during the recent Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike under the banner of their podcast, Strike Force Five. Recognising the significance of Colbert’s impending departure from the late-night landscape, the group contemplated recording an “emergency” episode of their podcast, which will be available to listeners on May 13.
During the interview, Colbert posed an intriguing question to his peers—why late-night television programmes deserve to remain a staple of the broadcasting world. In response, Kimmel highlighted the substantial viewership for their combined shows, arguing that their audiences rivalled those of iconic figures from the past, such as Johnny Carson. “Why should you have to defend late night?” Kimmel remarked. “You don’t hear Ryan Seacrest being asked to defend Wheel of Fortune.” Oliver added a dose of humour by suggesting he would quite like to hear Seacrest justify that iconic game show.
As the conversation evolved, Colbert noted the poignant fact that his show is concluding first, despite its inception after those of his colleagues. Kimmel lightheartedly compared this situation to experiencing the loss of a young spouse, a metaphor that elicited laughter among the hosts. They expressed a desire for Colbert to guest on their respective shows in the future, underscoring the camaraderie shared among them.
At 61, Colbert has enjoyed a notable journey since taking over as host of The Late Show from David Letterman in 2015. As he prepares to close this chapter, Colbert has a familiar face joining him for his final episode. Letterman himself is set to guest on the show on May 14, further marking the end of an era in late-night television.
Since its debut on September 8, 2015, Colbert has hosted The Late Show for 11 successful seasons. The announcement regarding the show’s conclusion was made in July 2025. CBS described the decision as a “purely financial” one amid a challenging environment for late-night programming. In the week leading up to the news, Colbert had been critical of CBS’s parent company, Paramount, particularly concerning a $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump related to an edited interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.
While The Late Show is winding down, Colbert is already looking ahead to his next venture. In a recent announcement, he revealed plans to write a new film set in the beloved world of Lord of the Rings. Together with his son, Peter Colbert, he has pitched a script that aims to transcend mere fandom, focusing instead on dramatic richness. Working alongside renowned co-writer and veteran contributor Philippa Boyens, Colbert expresses excitement for this new direction in his career. “Every moment has been a joy so far,” he stated in an interview, showcasing his passion for the project.
As the final episode approaches, Colbert’s fans and followers can still catch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, airing weekday evenings at 11:35 p.m. ET until its conclusion. The outpouring of support from peers and audiences alike serves as a testament to the impact Colbert has made during his time on the air.
In summary, Stephen Colbert’s farewell to The Late Show marks not only the end of a successful series but also a reflection on the journey of late-night television as a whole. As he prepares for the next chapter in his career, the contributions of Colbert and his peers continue to shape the landscape of late-night entertainment. Fans will undoubtedly remember this era fondly as they look forward to what lies ahead for the beloved host.