As the clock winds down to the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on May 21, a touching tribute to the legendary host is unfolding. Fellow late-night star Jimmy Kimmel has decided to defer his usual Jimmy Kimmel Live! broadcast, opting instead to air a rerun during Colbert’s farewell broadcast. This heartwarming move echoes Kimmel’s gesture during David Letterman’s farewell back in 2015, when he similarly took a step back to honor the end of an era in late-night television.
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The Late Show has been an iconic staple of late-night TV under Colbert’s leadership, with fans from all over the world tuning in for his brilliant political commentary and unforgettable moments. When CBS announced the show’s cancellation in 2025, marking the end of the Late Show franchise after 22 years, fans were devastated. Stephen Colbert has become synonymous with late-night TV—his signature wit and political humor capturing the hearts of millions. Yet, as Colbert prepares to sign off, it’s clear that respect for the host transcends competition, with Kimmel’s gracious decision reinforcing that sentiment.
A Final Night with No Distractions
In a move that demonstrates deep respect for his colleague, Kimmel has announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will air a rerun, allowing The Late Show to have its moment uninterrupted. Colbert will face only one competitor on May 21, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, but the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Colbert’s heartfelt exit. This isn’t the first time Kimmel has made such a sacrifice. Back in 2015, when Letterman retired, Kimmel made the same choice to avoid overshadowing Letterman’s moment.
The End of a Late-Night Era
Colbert’s farewell is more than just a goodbye to a talk show; it marks the conclusion of an era for The Late Show franchise. CBS had already announced in 2025 that Colbert’s departure would be the end of the line for the long-running show, citing financial challenges within late-night TV, including a reported annual loss of up to $40 million.
CBS had confirmed, “This decision is not related to the performance of the show or its content; rather, it’s driven by a shifting landscape and financial factors.” However, Colbert has shown a remarkable resilience in the face of these changes, continuing to deliver stellar content week after week despite the looming cancellation.
Stephen Colbert: “It’s Not Just My Goodbye”
In his final days at the helm, Colbert has been candid about the end of his time with the network. Addressing the cancellation, he said, “It’s not just the end of our show; it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is just going away.”
The news hit Colbert hard, as he was informed of his show’s cancellation through his manager, not directly from CBS. “It was surprising and shocking,” he admitted in an GQ interview, acknowledging the overwhelming sense of disbelief when he was told the news.
Reunion and Farewell: Colbert’s Final Week
As Colbert enters his final week of hosting, anticipation is building for a reunion of late-night giants. This week, Colbert will welcome Jimmy Fallon, Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver to celebrate their Strike Force Five podcast. Their series raised funds for employees affected by the 2023 WGA strike, proving the camaraderie that exists behind the scenes in the competitive world of late-night television.
The excitement will continue with a special guest appearance from none other than Letterman himself, who will share his own reflections on the end of Colbert’s era. Letterman, however, has been vocal in his support of Colbert, claiming that CBS “lied” about the reasoning behind the show’s cancellation.
A New Chapter for Colbert
After The Late Show ends, Colbert will be turning his focus to a project that has long been close to his heart: a new Lord of the Rings film. Colbert, alongside his son Peter, has pitched a new story to Peter Jackson, and Colbert is eager to dive into this creative venture come summer 2026.
In the end, Stephen Colbert’s departure may mark the end of The Late Show, but it is certainly not the end of his influence. As the world watches Colbert’s final goodbye, one thing is certain: the late-night world will never be the same.
Stay tuned for May 21 when Colbert’s emotional final episode airs, and a new chapter in his career begins.
Catch the final Late Show with Stephen Colbert on May 21—an unforgettable farewell to an era!
