Stephen Colbert welcomed fellow late night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, and Seth Meyers to his show on Monday, as his program on CBS and Paramount Plus nears its finale. The special episode featured the group, known as Strike Force Five, discussing the current state of late night television.
The gathering was a reunion of sorts, as the hosts had previously collaborated on a podcast under the same name in 2023. Colbert’s show is set to conclude on May 21, following a cancellation announcement by CBS months prior, citing financial reasons.
Late Night Television
Colbert and his guests used the platform to address the challenges facing late night television, including the attention they receive from President Trump. Kimmel noted that fans had not reacted strongly enough to Colbert’s cancellation, comparing it to his own experience with Disney+.
The hosts also discussed the impact of their shows on the current political landscape, with Meyers joking about President Trump’s habit of posting about their shows in real-time. The conversation was a nod to the Strike Force Five podcast, which raised funds for staff members affected by the Writers Guild of America strike.
Colbert announced that Strike Force Five will reunite for an “emergency” podcast on May 13, marking another opportunity for the hosts to come together and discuss the state of late night television.
Implications and Reactions
The gathering of late night hosts has sparked conversation about the role of comedy in today’s political climate. As Colbert’s show comes to a close, fans and fellow hosts are reflecting on the impact of his program and the broader implications for the future of late night television.
The finale of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air on May 21, marking the end of an era for the popular program. As the landscape of late night television continues to evolve, the conversation started by Colbert and his fellow hosts will likely continue, highlighting the significance of comedy and satire in American culture.
