The Daily Show host Jon Stewart joined Stephen Colbert on the third-to-last night of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which will air its final episode on May 21, 2026.
In the weeks leading up to the conclusion of the long-running show, Colbert did several unexpected things, including sharing goodbye kisses with fellow guests and throwing items off the roof with former Late Show host David Letterman.
Stewart also brought Colbert a parting gift.
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert discuss losing a late-night show
Stephen Colbert was joined by Jon Stewart as one of the final guests on The Late Show, which is set to conclude on May 21, 2026, after CBS canceled the show earlier this year.
The weeks leading up to the final episodes of the show have been eventful, with Colbert doing things that no one expected him to. Colbert shared goodbye kisses with multiple guests, admitted which stars he was attracted to, and threw furniture off the roof with former host David Letterman.
Stewart, who also previously lost a late-night show, appeared as a guest on the third-to-last episode of the series.
Colbert asked Stewart what it is like to lose a late-night show, to which Stewart replied enthusiastically, “It’s the best.” However, his smile quickly faded, drawing laughter from the audience.
Stewart recalled that his final guest was David Letterman when his show was canceled. The veteran host told him, “Don’t confuse cancellation with failure.’ And I thought that was profound. But then, he said, ‘In this case, it is also a failure.’”
Stewart also brought a gift for Colbert. He handed the host a pair of electric-lift recliners designed to help people stand after long television binges. “Oh, are you gonna enjoy watching Matlock in this motherf***er!” Stewart said to Colbert.
“Stephen, get ready for the ride of your f***ing life,” Stewart said before adding that the gift was not enough. “No, no, no. This tribute isn’t complete. Stephen. This tribute doesn’t represent the joy that you brought to me as my friend and the joy that you brought to this country as one of its leading entertainers. No, what this moment needs is something so much more.”
Stewart then introduced Grammy winner Andra Day, whom Colbert is a fan of. The moment left Colbert visibly surprised.
Colbert and Stewart shared several other warm exchanges throughout the episode. The two have known each other for nearly 30 years. They first met in 1999 when Stewart was preparing to host The Daily Show.
