Late-Night Hosts Unite for Colbert's Final Shows as Networks Clear Schedule
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Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' will conclude its 11-season run on CBS on May 21. In a show of solidarity, competing networks NBC and ABC will air reruns of their late-night programs that night, clearing the schedule for his final episode. Colbert's final weeks feature a reunion of the 'Strike Force Five' podcast hosts and a guest lineup including former host David Letterman.
Facts First
- Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' ends its CBS run on May 21, marking the conclusion of an 11-season tenure.
- NBC and ABC will air reruns instead of new episodes on May 21, with 'The Tonight Show' and 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' clearing the schedule.
- Colbert hosted fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver on May 11, reuniting the 'Strike Force Five' podcast team.
- CBS canceled the show in July 2025, citing a 'financial decision' as parent company Paramount seeks regulatory approval for a merger with Skydance.
- Upcoming final episodes feature guests including David Letterman, Barack Obama, and Tom Hanks, along with special musical and comedy segments.
What Happened
Stephen Colbert hosted Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver on the May 11 episode of 'The Late Show'. The group previously formed 'Strike Force Five', a podcast that supported crew members during the 2023 Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Colbert announced that 'Strike Force Five' will record an 'emergency' video podcast on May 13. CBS is cancelling 'The Late Show', with the final episode scheduled for May 21. NBC will air a rerun of 'The Tonight Show' on that date, and ABC confirmed 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' will also air a repeat.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a fan of late-night television, your viewing schedule this week is focused on a single channel. The coordinated reruns by competing networks on May 21 mean you will not find new episodes of 'The Tonight Show' or 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' that night, directing attention to Colbert's finale. The reunion of popular hosts and the lineup of major celebrity guests for the final episodes may offer a notable cultural moment for entertainment viewers.
What's Next
Stephen Colbert's final episode airs on May 21. Before that, his final week will feature guests including former host David Letterman on May 14, and later appearances by John Krasinski, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Pedro Pascal, and Tom Hanks. Special segments are planned, including a 'Colbert Questionert' with Barack Obama and a performance by the Strokes. The 'Strike Force Five' group may release new content with their planned video podcast. The cancellation by CBS, which cited financial reasons, is proceeding as parent company Paramount awaits regulatory approval for its proposed merger with Skydance.