Stephen Colbert reunites Kimmel, Meyers and John Oliver on ‘Late Show’ final week to discuss Trump

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Stephen Colbert brought together some of the most recognizable names in late-night television during Monday night’s episode of ‘The Late Show,’ turning the program’s final stretch on CBS into a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, shifting audience habits and Donald Trump.

With ‘The Late Show’ set to conclude its run on May 21, Colbert welcomed Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and John Oliver for a rare joint appearance that quickly became one of the most talked-about late-night moments of the season. The reunion mixed humor with reflection as the hosts spoke about the state of late-night television.

Jimmy Kimmel reflects on late-night television audience loyalty

Partway through the discussion, Colbert asked the group to “make a case for late-night,” noting how audiences have increasingly shifted toward digital platforms.

Jimmy Kimmel defended the format, arguing that its reach goes far beyond traditional ratings.

“We have a lot of shows. 30,000 people watching each one, and it adds up,” Kimmel said.

He added that viewing habits have changed significantly over time.

“People watch us on YouTube now. People have a lot of different options and they keep coming to us.”

Kimmel also joked about industry competition, saying, “I will tell you, when I got knocked off the air for a few days, people canceled Disney+,” before adding, “Why aren’t people canceling Paramount+? Because you never had it in the first place?”

Stephen Colbert questions late-night hosts about Donald Trump attention

The conversation later turned to Donald Trump’s long-running engagement with late-night television and political comedy.

Colbert asked whether any of them expected early in their careers to host shows that would draw direct attention from a sitting U.S. president.

Kimmel responded with a joke referencing political scrutiny around public figures.

“You know what’s even weirder?” Kimmel said. “Doing a job that his wife has strong feelings about.”

Seth Meyers quickly added, “Most of us have avoided that part.”

The exchange led to one of the night’s most talked-about moments when John Oliver referenced how the group often communicates off-air.

“It’s an amazing thing to get, in a group text, a text from Jimmy saying, ‘Oh, boy,’” Oliver said while laughing. “And then a picture of Melania mad at him.”

Seth Meyers jokes about Trump watching late-night television

As the discussion continued, Seth Meyers noted that he actually enjoys when political figures react to his show in real time, saying it signals that the content is being closely watched.

John Oliver followed with a remark that drew laughter from the group and audience.

“I appreciate that he’s watching linear television,” Oliver said.

The comment underscored a broader theme of the evening, as the hosts reflected on how traditional television continues to compete with streaming platforms and social media in shaping cultural conversations.