Stephen Colbert Hosts 'Strike Force Five' Reunion Ahead of 'Late Show' Finale
Stephen Colbert reunites with fellow late-night hosts for a special episode as 'The Late Show' approaches its final broadcast on May 21.
As 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' nears its conclusion on May 21, host Stephen Colbert welcomed fellow late-night personalities John Oliver, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jimmy Fallon for a special reunion of their 'Strike Force Five' group. This gathering, which aired on May 11, marked one of the final episodes before the show's impending finale.
During the episode, the hosts reflected on their shared experiences and the current state of late-night television. Colbert humorously noted the potential risk of having so many late-night figures together, jesting that Jon Stewart was the 'designated survivor' in case of unforeseen circumstances. Kimmel highlighted the lack of audience reaction to Colbert's cancellation, contrasting it with his own experience when viewers canceled subscriptions in protest. Meyers added a lighthearted remark about the president's attention to their shows, appreciating his engagement with traditional television formats.
The 'Strike Force Five' originally formed during the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, producing a podcast to support their staff during the work stoppage. Proceeds from the upcoming 'emergency' video podcast episode, set to release on May 13, will benefit Chef José Andrés’s World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit providing meals in response to crises worldwide.
Colbert's final week will feature notable guests, including Tom Hanks, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Pedro Pascal, and a return appearance by David Letterman on May 14. The series finale on May 21 will mark the end of Colbert's tenure and the conclusion of 'The Late Show' franchise on CBS.