Late-night television hosts gathered at the CBS studio in New York City for one of Stephen Colbert’s final episodes of "The Late Show" [1].
The reunion marks a rare moment of cooperation among competing networks as Colbert prepares to exit the program. The gathering highlights the shared history of the late-night format and serves as a public tribute to Colbert's tenure on the show.
Four late-night hosts joined Colbert for the special farewell [1]. The group included Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, and Jimmy Fallon [1]. These hosts appeared as guests to celebrate Colbert's career and his impact on the genre before he concludes his run on CBS.
Reports on the full guest list vary regarding former host David Letterman. Yahoo News said Letterman returned as one of the final guests [2]. However, a CNN video report mentioned only Kimmel, Meyers, Oliver, and Fallon [1].
The reunion is part of a series of farewell events leading up to the show's conclusion. The final episode of "The Late Show" is scheduled to air on May 21, 2026 [3].
Colbert has spent years occupying the New York City studio, continuing the legacy of the late-night franchise on CBS [2]. The appearance of his peers underscores the professional bonds formed within the small circle of U.S. late-night broadcasting, a community that often competes for the same viewership but maintains a tight-knit industry relationship [3].
“Four late-night hosts joined Colbert for the special farewell”
Colbert's departure and this high-profile reunion signal a transition period for late-night television. By bringing together current and former hosts, CBS is framing the end of Colbert's tenure as a historic milestone for the medium rather than a simple personnel change.
