Stephen Colbert reunited with his late-night brothers Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver and Seth Meyers this week, creating a rare television moment packed with comedy royalty, nostalgia and unmistakable star power. ✨
The group, who last came together for their limited-run Strike Force Five podcast during the 2023 writers’ strike, appeared side by side again on Monday as they helped send off Colbert in style ahead of his final episode of The Late Show on May 21.
It was a bittersweet reunion for fans of late-night television. For nearly 11 years, Colbert has been the sharp, satirical voice at the helm of The Late Show, taking over from David Letterman in 2015 and turning the CBS programme into one of the most watched and talked-about shows in American political comedy.
But while the hosts clearly share history, humour and mutual respect, one thing they do not share equally is their bank balance. And the richest star in the group may surprise viewers. 💰
According to the report, John Oliver tops the reunion group with an estimated net worth of $80 million. The British comedian, 49, became a major force in American satire after breaking through as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart before launching HBO’s Last Week Tonight in 2014.
The show quickly became a critical powerhouse, combining deep investigative segments with razor-sharp comedy. It has since earned dozens of Emmy wins and helped Oliver become one of the most influential voices in late-night television. His HBO salary reportedly climbed dramatically over the years, eventually reaching around $30 million per season.
Close behind him is Stephen Colbert, whose reported net worth stands at $75 million. The 62-year-old host originally earned around $6 million annually in his early Late Show years before securing a major raise, with later contracts reportedly pushing his salary to $15 million per year.
Colbert’s upcoming departure has added drama to the late-night landscape. CBS announced that his contract would not be renewed, with the network describing the decision as financial. The cancellation came after Colbert criticised Paramount/CBS over a legal settlement involving President Donald Trump — timing that sparked intense public debate. ⚡
Still, Colbert is not disappearing quietly. After leaving The Late Show, he is reportedly stepping into a surprising new creative role by working with his son, screenwriter Peter McGee, on a new Lord of the Rings film project.
Jimmy Fallon comes in third with an estimated fortune of $70 million. The 51-year-old NBC star rose to fame on Saturday Night Live before eventually taking over The Tonight Show in 2014. Known for celebrity games, musical sketches and viral-friendly comedy, Fallon reportedly earns around $16 million a year and has also built a side career as a children’s author and performer. 🎤
Jimmy Kimmel follows with a reported net worth of $50 million. The 58-year-old has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, making him the longest-running late-night talk show host in ABC’s history. His annual salary is also believed to be around $16 million, placing him among the best-paid names in the business despite ranking behind Oliver, Colbert and Fallon overall.
Kimmel’s career has been marked by both success and controversy. He has won acclaim for emotional monologues and sharp political humour, but his jokes have repeatedly drawn criticism from powerful political figures, including Donald Trump.
At the lower end of the group is Seth Meyers, though his numbers are still far from modest. The 52-year-old Late Night host has an estimated net worth of $25 million and reportedly earns $5 million a year. Meyers first became a household name during his long run on Saturday Night Live, where he served as head writer and anchored Weekend Update before taking over NBC’s Late Night in 2014.
But there is one late-night titan who beats them all — Jon Stewart. Though he did not join the televised reunion, Stewart reportedly tops the wider late-night wealth list with an estimated net worth of $120 million. 👑
Stewart, 63, currently hosts The Daily Show once a week, but at the height of his career he was reportedly earning $25 million annually. Beyond television, he has written bestselling books, acted in films, hosted major awards shows and launched Busboy Productions, the company behind hits including The Colbert Report.
During the reunion, Colbert joked that Stewart was absent because he was the “designated survivor” of late night — the one left behind to keep annoying President Trump.
The five hosts also revealed they are teaming up again for a special “emergency” episode of Strike Force Five in support of Colbert. Proceeds will benefit World Central Kitchen, the humanitarian nonprofit founded by chef José Andrés.
For fans, the reunion was more than a comedy stunt. It was a reminder of a changing era in late-night television — one where familiar faces are moving on, fortunes are staggering, and even the sharpest jokes come with a hint of farewell. 🌟
