Stephen Colbert Setting First Late-Night TV Return on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Late-night comedy is bringing back one of its biggest heavyweights, even if only for a single evening. Stephen Colbert is officially preparing to step back into the studio spotlight with an upcoming guest slot on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, marking his very first return to the format since signing off from *The Late Show*. According to reports, the acclaimed television figure will drop by the ABC talk show on Tuesday, September 15. The high-profile appearance arrives at a major moment on the network calendar, set to air the evening immediately following the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards. ## When Is Stephen Colbert on Jimmy Kimmel Live? Fans of the legendary presenter will get to see Colbert sitting on the opposite side of the desk on Tuesday, September 15. The scheduled broadcast lands right on the heels of television's biggest celebration, a ceremony where both Colbert and host Jimmy Kimmel share deep roots and multiple honors. While viewers spent years watching Colbert deliver nightly opening monologues and helm celebrity interviews on CBS, this upcoming visit places him squarely in the guest seat. The special appearance gives audiences their very first opportunity to catch the comedy star back in a late-night setting since wrapping up his run on *The Late Show*. ## What Will Stephen Colbert Discuss With Jimmy Kimmel? Colbert established one of the most defining runs in modern television history, famously moving from his beloved news-satire character on Comedy Central to taking over the desk at *The Late Show*. Across his extended career, he stood out as a premier voice in daily pop-culture commentary and sharp satire. His guest spot on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* brings together two of the biggest names to dominate the post-midnight timeslots over the past two decades. While Kimmel maintains his signature post on ABC, welcoming Colbert to the couch right after the Emmys guarantees a historic moment for late-night enthusiasts. Specific details regarding their conversation have not yet been revealed by the network, but the broadcast is expected to draw major viewership. With the excitement of the Emmy Awards still fresh, the pair will likely reflect on the awards broadcast as well as Colbert's chapter after stepping away from daily television.