Stephen Colbert Reunites with Late-Night Legends to Reveal Surprise New Project Ahead of The Late Show Finale

Stephen Colbert (center) reunited with his talk show show host pals – (from L-R) Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver and Seth Meyers – on Monday to announce a new project ahead of The Late Show's May 21 finale — Stephen Colbert (center) reunited with his talk show show host pals – (from L-R) Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver and Seth Meyers – on Monday to announce a new project ahead of The Late Show’s May 21 finale

Stephen Colbert reunited with his late-night host pals Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, and Seth Meyers on Monday to announce an unexpected new project just ahead of The Late Show finale on May 21.

The five talk show titans first teamed up in 2023 to tape the hit 12-episode podcast Strike Force Five, which provided financial support to out-of-work staff during the WGA/SAG–AFTRA strikes. The series was a hit, selling merchandise and delighting fans, and now an emergency episode is set to premiere this Wednesday – coinciding with Colbert’s 62nd birthday.

The five talk show titans had previously teamed up in 2023 to tape a 12-episode hit Megaphone podcast Strike Force Five, which helped provide funds to their out-of-work staff amid the WGA/SAG–AFTRA strikes

“All proceeds will benefit the World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit founded by Chef José Andrés that provides meals during humanitarian crises,” Colbert confirmed.

'It was very successful. People seemed to really love it. We sold T-shirts,' Kimmel (L) recalled. 'We'll do another episode tonight after the show, right?' — ‘It was very successful. People seemed to really love it. We sold T-shirts,’ Kimmel (L) recalled. ‘We’ll do another episode tonight after the show, right?’

Behind the laughs and playful banter, tensions had flared during the original podcast, with Colbert even challenging Oliver to decide who would win in a hypothetical fight. “Are we talking Muay Thai or a battle of wits?” Oliver joked, while Kimmel added, “I think John wins – his wife is a former military medic.”

Colbert confirmed: 'We're going to do an emergency episode of Strike Force Five. That's right' — Colbert confirmed: ‘We’re going to do an emergency episode of Strike Force Five. That’s right’

Colbert’s reunion marks a bittersweet moment, as he recently announced that Paramount/CBS will not be renewing his contract after 11 years on air, ending the iconic late-night program after 44 years. Despite the cancellation, Colbert has found a new creative outlet, co-writing a forthcoming Lord of the Rings project for Warner Bros. with his son Peter McGee and Philippa Boyens.

Kimmel – whose ABC show was suspended for three days last September – replied: 'This will be for you' — Kimmel – whose ABC show was suspended for three days last September – replied: ‘This will be for you’

The 58-year-old comedian (R) wasn't kidding as the new Strike Force Five episode is set to premiere this Wednesday, which just so happens to be The Daily Show alum's 62nd birthday — The 58-year-old comedian (R) wasn’t kidding as the new Strike Force Five episode is set to premiere this Wednesday, which just so happens to be The Daily Show alum’s 62nd birthday

The taping of the new Strike Force Five episode at the Ed Sullivan Theater drew plenty of star power, with previous contributors including David Letterman, Tom Hanks, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Pedro Pascal set to appear in final shows. Fallon even arrived clutching two bottles of champagne, hinting at the fun to come.

'Is this a battle of wits?' the 49-year-old Englishman asked. 'If you're allowed to take off a velvet glove and slap someone across the face with it and demand satisfaction, I think I'm in with a shot. If it's what I would call "rough and tumble" no thank you' — ‘Is this a battle of wits?’ the 49-year-old Englishman asked. ‘If you’re allowed to take off a velvet glove and slap someone across the face with it and demand satisfaction, I think I’m in with a shot. If it’s what I would call “rough and tumble” no thank you’

Kimmel chimed in: 'I think John wins and I'll tell you why. First of all, he's downplaying his physical abilities. Secondly, his wife was in the military' — Kimmel chimed in: ‘I think John wins and I’ll tell you why. First of all, he’s downplaying his physical abilities. Secondly, his wife was in the military’

Indeed, Oliver is married to Kate Norley (pictured September 14), a US Army medic and Iraq War veteran, whom he originally met at the 2008 Republican National Convention before marrying three years later

Fans will also get to see Colbert reflect on the highs and lows of his career, from the political controversies that influenced his cancellation to the heartfelt tributes from fellow celebrities, including Bette Midler, who serenaded him with a version of Wind Beneath My Wings.

Colbert, who often exchanged playful jabs with his late-night peers, admitted the experience had been both chaotic and inspiring. With the emergency episode of Strike Force Five, audiences can expect a mix of laughter, nostalgia, and unexpected surprises, marking a fitting send-off for one of America’s most beloved late-night hosts.