The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will soon be bidding farewell to the airwaves, but not without a final star-studded guest lineup.
The fate of The Late Show was decided in July 2025, with Paramount deeming the decision to be “purely financial” at the time “against a challenging backdrop in late night,” though the move was also revealed in the midst of Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount, and days after Colbert mocked the media company’s settlement with President Donald Trump.
Last Monday (May 11), fellow late-night hosts and Strike Force Five podcast co-hosts Jimmy Kimmel (Jimmy Kimmel Live!), Jimmy Fallon (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon), John Oliver (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver), and Seth Meyers (Late Night with Seth Meyers) paid Colbert a visit. Oliver made sure to urge his Last Week Tonight viewers to “please enjoy Colbert’s final shows” during his sendoff on Sunday night (May 17).
“He’s the fucking best,” he added. “Goodnight, and good luck, motherfuckers.”
Former Late Show host David Letterman also stopped by last Thursday (May 14). In Colbert’s final week at the helm of The Late Show, fans will be treated to appearances from Jon Stewart and Steven Spielberg, as well as performances from David Byrne and Bruce Springsteen.
Wondering when the last episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is on CBS? Who is replacing Stephen Colbert after The Late Show finale? Continue reading to find out more.
When is the last episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert?
The last episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs on Thursday, May 21.
What time is The Late Show on?
The Late Show airs at at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Paramount+ Premium customers can stream episodes of The Late Show live, and Paramount+ Essential customers can stream new episodes of The Late Show the day after they air.
Who is replacing Stephen Colbert after The Late Show finale?
Byron Allen’s comedy talk show, Comics Unleashed, will be replacing The Late Show following its May 21 finale.