Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon Pause Shows for Stephen Colbert’s Final 'The Late Show' Episode

Stephen Colbert’s final night as host of “The Late Show” is drawing support from fellow late-night stars. Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel are both stepping aside on May 21, allowing Colbert’s farewell episode to air without competition from their own programs.

Several of late night television’s biggest hosts are showing support for Stephen Colbert as he prepares to end his run on “The Late Show.”

Stephen Colbert on the CBS series "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on May 18, 2026. | Source: Getty Images

Both Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel will pause production of their programs on May 21, 2026, the same night Colbert airs his final episode on CBS following the show’s cancellation last year.

NBC plans to air a rerun of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” instead of a new episode that evening. Fallon’s decision means Colbert’s sendoff will air without direct competition from one of network television’s other major late-night franchises.

ABC is also taking a similar approach with “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

The network confirmed that Kimmel’s show will go dark on May 21, with a repeat episode airing in place of a new broadcast. According to sources, the move was made “out of deference to Colbert’s sendoff.”

Late-Night Hosts Reunited on 'The Late Show'

The coordinated schedule changes come just days after Fallon and Kimmel appeared alongside several fellow hosts on “The Late Show.”

On Monday, May 11, 2026, Colbert welcomed Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, and Kimmel for a reunion connected to “Strike Force Five,” the podcast the group launched during the 2023 Hollywood labor strikes.

The podcast was created during the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes, when late-night productions shut down across the industry. The hosts used the project to support staff members from their shows who lost pay while production remained suspended.

Revenue generated from the podcast went toward helping crew members across all five programs.

The appearance marked a rare moment where several competing late-night personalities shared the stage together. Over the years, the hosts have publicly supported one another despite working on rival networks.

Colbert’s Exit Marks a Major Shift in Late Night

Colbert’s final episode will conclude an 11-season run at CBS.

He took over “The Late Show” in 2015 after David Letterman retired. During his tenure, Colbert became one of the most prominent political voices in late-night television, especially through his criticism of Donald Trump and commentary on current events.

CBS announced the cancellation of “The Late Show” in July 2025. The network said the decision was based on finances and not connected to the show’s content or ratings.

The cancellation came shortly after Colbert criticized Paramount, CBS’ parent company, over its settlement with Trump tied to a lawsuit involving “60 Minutes.”

Despite the controversy surrounding the timing, Colbert continued addressing the situation openly during his broadcasts in the months that followed.

Reports that the show was losing tens of millions of dollars annually also became part of the public conversation around the cancellation.

"The Late Show" with Stephen Colbert and guest Pedro Pascal during Tuesday's May 12, 2026 show. | Source: Getty Images

Fallon and Kimmel Step Aside for Colbert’s Farewell

The decision by Fallon and Kimmel to skip new episodes on Colbert’s final night highlights the respect many in late night have for the longtime host.

Competition between the networks has long been a defining feature of the genre, with hosts regularly battling for ratings, guests, and viral moments. Still, the late-night community has often appeared united during major industry events or personal milestones.

"The Late Show" with Stephen Colbert and guest Tom Hanks during Wednesday's May 13, 2026 show. | Source: Getty Images

Colbert’s final broadcast is expected to draw significant attention, especially following months of discussion surrounding the future of network late-night television.

In recent years, the format has faced growing pressure from changing viewing habits, shrinking advertising revenue, and the rise of digital media platforms.

“The Late Show” itself had remained a ratings leader during much of Colbert’s tenure, even as the broader television landscape shifted.

Michael Keaton and Stephen Colbert on the CBS series "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on May 18, 2026. | Source: Getty Images

The End of an Era for Network Late Night

With Colbert’s departure, one of television’s longest-running late-night franchises will officially come to an end.

“The Late Show” first premiered in 1993 with Letterman as host after his highly publicized move from NBC to CBS. Colbert succeeded him more than two decades later and reshaped the show around political satire and topical commentary.

Fallon and Kimmel’s decision to step back for the evening underscores the significance of Colbert’s final episode within the entertainment industry.