Stephen Colbert is gearing up for an emotional farewell as The Late Show nears its final curtain call on May 21, 2026. But before the show takes its final bow, Colbert will host an unforgettable episode on May 11 with an all-star lineup of late-night icons: Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, John Oliver, and Seth Meyers—the legendary “Strike Force Five.” This special episode promises laughs, camaraderie, and a look back at the iconic moments that made them household names.
Special Performance Alert! Broadway stars Annaleigh Ashford, Christopher Jackson, Bernadette Peters, Ben Platt, and Patrick Wilson will join the late-night celebration with a show-stopping performance!
But that’s not all—Late Show legend David Letterman will make a surprise appearance on May 14, and he’s not holding back his thoughts on CBS’s decision to cancel Colbert’s show. Letterman, who helmed The Late Show for 22 years, has been fiercely critical of CBS’s move, calling out the corporate “weasels” responsible for the decision.
In a passionate interview, Letterman voiced his frustration with the network’s rationale: “They’re lying weasels,” he boldly declared, shedding light on the financial claims and suggesting the cancellation might have had a deeper, politically motivated agenda. 
Colbert’s Reaction: As the curtain falls on The Late Show, Colbert shares his bittersweet feelings: “It’s really the people I’ll miss the most. That’s what I’ll miss more than anything… We’ll do something else together, but it feels real now.”
The end of an era is here, but the memories will live on forever. Get ready for the ultimate late-night send-off!
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Don’t miss the emotional final episodes—watch them LIVE on CBS! 
