Stephen Colbert just dropped major news that has late-night television fans marking their calendars.
The beloved host announced his final show date during a Peacock exclusive appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers.
His answer was direct and definitive: May 21, 2026.
But before he says goodbye to the Ed Sullivan Theater, Colbert has one dream guest he’s determined to book—and it’s not your typical celebrity.
The Final Curtain Call Announcement
Appearing on Meyers’ show, Colbert revealed the exact date viewers can expect to see his last episode.
May 21, 2026. Mark your calendars.
Meyers immediately offered his support in classic late-night camaraderie fashion. He told Colbert he’d dedicate an entire night of his own show to be present for Colbert’s final goodbye.
That’s the kind of respect Colbert has earned after years dominating the late-night landscape with sharp wit and genuine warmth.
The Ultimate Dream Guest: Pope Leo XIV
When asked about his last remaining bucket-list guest, Colbert didn’t hesitate.
Pope Leo XIV tops his wish list, and there’s a deeply personal reason behind it.
Leo XIV is the Chicago Pope, and Colbert proudly identifies as a Chicago Catholic. The connection runs deeper than geography—it’s about faith, identity, and shared roots.
This wouldn’t be Colbert’s first papal encounter either. He previously organized a group of comedians to meet Pope Francis, showcasing his unique ability to blend entertainment with meaningful cultural moments.
Colbert’s Dedication to Meeting Pope Francis
The story of Colbert’s trip to meet Pope Francis reveals just how committed he is when something matters.
While Meyers confessed he’d given a firm “No way” to Colbert’s invitation, the Late Show host went to extraordinary lengths to make the Vatican meeting happen.
Colbert took a helicopter directly from his show to JFK Airport, racing against time to reach Vatican City before the scheduled meeting.
That level of dedication speaks volumes about what matters most to him beyond television ratings and celebrity interviews.
Defending Pope Francis as Talk Show Material
When Meyers jokingly suggested Pope Francis would have made a dull talk show guest, Colbert’s protective instincts kicked in immediately.
This is good that you did not meet the Pope. Those Swiss guards would take that halberd and just take you down. In their big pantaloons and everything.
Colbert’s defense was playful but sincere, highlighting his genuine respect for the pontiff.
His reference to Swiss Guards—the colorful yet formidable protectors of the Pope—added humor while making his point clear: disrespecting the Pope isn’t something to joke about lightly.
Swiss Guards: Goofy Uniforms, Serious Protection
If you’ve never seen what papal guards actually look like, Colbert’s description is spot-on.
The Swiss Guards wear uniforms that appear straight out of Renaissance paintings—complete with those famous “big pantaloons” and vibrant colors.
But don’t let the theatrical appearance fool you. These guards are highly trained military personnel who take their protective duties extremely seriously.
The halberd Colbert mentioned? That’s a traditional pole weapon that symbolizes their centuries-old commitment to papal security.
What Makes Colbert’s Papal Connection Special
Colbert’s faith has always been more than background noise in his career.
He’s openly discussed his Catholicism in interviews and woven it into his comedy when appropriate. His desire to book Pope Leo XIV before retirement isn’t just about landing a high-profile guest—it’s about honoring something fundamental to who he is.
The Chicago connection adds another layer of meaning. Both Colbert and Leo XIV share roots in a city known for its distinctive culture, resilience, and strong Catholic community.
Counting Down to May 2026
With roughly two years remaining before Colbert signs off, speculation will inevitably build around which guests he’ll feature in his final months.
Will Pope Leo XIV make an appearance? That remains to be seen, but Colbert has proven he can pull off seemingly impossible bookings before.
What’s certain is that Colbert’s final shows will blend his signature humor with the genuine warmth and curiosity that made him a late-night staple.
And if Meyers follows through on his promise to dedicate a night to Colbert’s farewell, viewers can expect an emotional and memorable send-off befitting one of television’s most beloved hosts.