Stephen Colbert’s popular late-night programme, *The Late Show*, is poised to conclude its eleven-season run on Thursday, May 21. Viewers will be treated to the final episode of the show, which has been a staple on CBS since its inception. In a show of support for Colbert, fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has opted not to air a new episode of his own show, *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, on the same night. Instead, Kimmel will present a repeat episode, allowing Colbert’s farewell to take centre stage.
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Kimmel’s decision stems from an act of respect towards Colbert’s send-off. This is not the first time Kimmel has chosen to step back for a fellow host; he did the same for David Letterman during his final appearance in 2015. On that occasion, Kimmel showcased his camaraderie with a noteable absence, and he is continuing this tradition by not competing with Colbert’s last show. Meanwhile, new episodes of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* will air earlier in that same week.
Colbert, who took over hosting duties from Letterman in September 2015, has grown to become a beloved figure in late-night television. His journey has not been without its challenges. Just last year, he publicly expressed gratitude for his time on the show, referencing both the “beautiful theatre” that has served as his stage and the support he received throughout his tenure. However, the end of his programme was attributed to financial considerations from CBS, set against a difficult landscape in the late-night arena.
Leading up to the cancellation, Colbert had been vocal about his frustrations with CBS’s parent company, Paramount, especially regarding a significant settlement paid to former President Donald Trump. His stance on this issue sparked conversations around fairness in corporate governance and the entertainment industry’s accountability to the public.
In the wake of the announcement, Kimmel stood by Colbert, criticising CBS on social media and expressing his loyalty to his fellow host. The late-night community rallied around Colbert, with Kimmel encouraging Emmy voters to support him by even erecting a billboard in Los Angeles. In September 2025, Colbert did indeed win the Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series, an accolade he graciously attributed to CBS and the legacy of late-night television.
As *The Late Show* approaches its final curtain, Colbert has taken the opportunity to reflect on his love for the country and the platform he was fortunate enough to occupy. He remarked that moments like these often reveal the depth of attachment one has for something that may be slipping away. Colbert’s emotional farewell is expected to be a heartfelt culmination of his experiences over the years.
In a demonstration of solidarity, Kimmel, along with other notable late-night hosts such as Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, will join Colbert for a special interview on a preceding episode of *The Late Show*. This unique collaboration serves to highlight the tight-knit nature of the late-night television community, where rivalries sometimes fade in the face of mutual respect.
The final episode of *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* is scheduled to air on CBS at 11:35 p.m. ET on May 21, promising an emotional and memorable conclusion for both the host and his fans. As viewers prepare to bid farewell to Colbert, the late-night landscape may undergo a transformation, but the impact of his wit and commentary will undoubtedly linger on.