Jimmy Kimmel to air rerun on night of Stephen Colbert’s Late Show finale

Jimmy Kimmel will air a repeat episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on May 21, the same night Stephen Colbert broadcasts his final episode of The Late Show on CBS, according to Variety.

The decision is being made as a gesture of respect for Colbert, who is ending his 11-season run as host. ABC has confirmed that Kimmel will air new episodes earlier in the week, with the Thursday slot reserved for a rerun “out of deference to Colbert’s sendoff,” as reported by LateNighter.

Kimmel previously made a similar move in 2015 when David Letterman signed off from The Late Show, highlighting the long-standing tradition of mutual respect among late-night hosts.

The farewell week for Colbert will feature appearances from several high-profile guests, including John Krasinski, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Pedro Pascal and Tom Hanks. Special segments will also include musical performances, comedy bits, and a return of the “Colbert Questionert,” which will feature a conversation with former U.S. President Barack Obama.

On Monday, May 11, Kimmel, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon and John Oliver are all set to appear together on The Late Show, recreating the lineup from their 2023 “Strike Force Five” podcast created during the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

CBS confirmed the cancellation of The Late Show in 2025, calling it a financial decision. However, the move sparked wider debate across the entertainment industry, with critics raising concerns about timing and political pressure.

Stephen Colbert’s final episode airs May 21 on CBS.