Kimmel and Fallon Skip Shows in Solidarity with Colbert's Final Episode
Late-night television hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon announced they will not air new episodes on May 21, 2026, in a gesture of solidarity with Stephen Colbert during the final broadcast of The Late Show. CBS is canceling the long-running program, citing financial reasons and challenging market conditions, though the decision follows Colbert's public criticism of a settlement between Paramount and Donald Trump. NBC will air a rerun of The Tonight Show, while ABC confirmed Jimmy Kimmel Live! will also take a break to maximize viewership for Colbert's farewell. The move highlights industry camaraderie, reminiscent of the Strike Force Five podcast collaboration during the 2023 writers' and actors' strikes. Seth Meyers and John Oliver also joined Colbert recently for a reunion segment. While CBS executives maintain the cancellation is purely economic, detractors argue it may be political retaliation given Colbert's recent controversies. This coordinated action by major late-night figures underscores the significant cultural impact of Colbert's departure from nightly television after years of prominent hosting.
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