In an era where late-night television often feels like a nightly horse race, there are rare moments when the competition fades. Instead, camaraderie takes center stage. As Stephen Colbert prepares for his final “Late Show” bow, Jimmy Kimmel is putting respect ahead of ratings with a special tribute to his fellow host’s send-off.
Jimmy Kimmel will not air an episode for Stephen Colbert’s late show
Jimmy Kimmel has long understood the weight of a good goodbye. Back in 2015, when David Letterman closed the curtain on his “Late Show” run, Kimmel opted to step aside rather than compete with the final chapter of a comedy legend. He called it a matter of respect, a recognition that certain nights belong entirely to the person saying farewell. Letterman had launched “The Late Show” franchise in 1993 and helmed it for 22 seasons before passing the desk to Colbert.
Now, history is repeating itself. Kimmel recently confirmed to LateNighter that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will not air a new episode next Thursday, the night Stephen Colbert signs off. Instead, ABC will run a repeat in Kimmel’s usual 11:35 p.m. slot. The adjustment shifts Kimmel’s weekly rhythm to new shows Monday through Wednesday and a repeat on Thursday, ensuring the spotlight stays where it belongs.
The decision, confirmed by Entertainment Weekly, leaves CBS’s May 21, 2026, finale of “The Late Show” with just one first-run late-night rival: NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Colbert’s last show will feature Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, who will join Kimmel at the Ed Sullivan Theater tonight for a “Strike Force Five” reunion. With both NBC shows off the air tonight, the hosts are free to assemble in person before Fallon and Meyers resume new episodes Tuesday through Thursday.
Then on Thursday, Colbert will welcome his predecessor, Letterman, who drew attention after saying the beloved host was “dumped” to keep him from causing more “trouble” for CBS.
The finale ends Stephen Colbert’s 11-year run and CBS’s “Late Show” franchise altogether. Beginning May 22, “Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen” moves into the 11:35 p.m. ET/PT time slot.
Originally reported by Sibanee Gogoi on Mandatory.
