Jimmy Kimmel to Host Stephen Colbert After Emmys, Announces Brooklyn Academy Return Amid Show-End Rumors
The late‑night arena has just gained a new star. On Thursday’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", the host announced that Stephen Colbert will take over as guest host following the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards.
Colbert’s exit from CBS marked the conclusion of an 11‑year reign on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," which wrapped up on May 21, 2026. CBS had already revealed in July 2025 that the franchise would retire after that season, and the final episode aired as an extended broadcast before the slot was sold to Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group.
During the summer break, Kimmel offered Colbert the chance to host his ABC program, but the former CBS star turned down the invitation. A July interview with Variety confirmed that Kimmel had asked Colbert to step in while he was off, but the network filled the summer lineup with a rotating cast that included Rosie O’Donnell, Jelly Roll, Ike Barinholtz and Tiffany Haddish.
Later in September, Kimmel revealed plans to bring "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for a series of special episodes. The shows are slated for the last week of the month, though no guests have been announced yet. The event is part of Kimmel’s long‑term partnership with BAM, which has hosted the show’s live broadcasts in the past.
Rumors that the program will end after the current contract expires in May 2027 have been circulating for weeks. ABC’s spokesperson told Us Weekly that any reports about the show’s future are speculative. The network’s contract with Kimmel runs through the end of the 2026‑27 season, after which the show would not be renewed unless a new agreement is reached.
The talk of a potential finale comes amid broader shifts in late‑night programming. With 23 seasons under his belt, Kimmel is the longest‑tenured host in the United States, yet the network has not confirmed a successor or a new format, and no official statement has been issued regarding a replacement.
In short, Kimmel’s upcoming guest appearance by Stephen Colbert and the planned BAM run are the only confirmed changes for the next season. The future of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" beyond May 2027 remains uncertain, with ABC maintaining that no decision has been made.
