Stephen Colbert will host a lineup of prominent late-night hosts on "The Late Show" during the program's final weeks of broadcast [1].
The event marks a rare gathering of the genre's most influential figures as the show concludes its run on CBS. This reunion serves as a symbolic closing chapter for one of the most-watched late-night programs in the U.S.
Colbert is scheduled to welcome David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, and John Oliver for a special guest episode on May 11, 2026 [1], [2], [3]. The broadcast will originate from CBS Television City in Los Angeles [1], [2].
This all-star appearance comes as the series approaches its official conclusion. The final episode of "The Late Show" is scheduled to air on May 21, 2026 [1], [2], [3].
CBS cancelled the program last year in 2025 [1], [2]. The network's decision prompted a series of farewell episodes designed to honor the show's legacy and Colbert's tenure as host.
While the specific segments of the May 11 episode have not been detailed, the inclusion of Letterman, the show's former host, alongside current rivals and peers suggests a retrospective tone. The gathering represents a cross-generational bridge of late-night comedy, from the traditional monologue era to the current digital-first landscape.
“Stephen Colbert will host a lineup of prominent late-night hosts”
The cancellation of "The Late Show" and this high-profile farewell reunion signal a broader shift in network television. As linear viewership declines in favor of short-form digital content, major networks are reducing their investment in expensive, nightly late-night talk shows, marking the end of an era for the traditional broadcast comedy format.
