The long, late-night drought is finally over. After a summer packed with reruns, all four major broadcast late-night shows are officially returning with new episodes this week. That’s right — The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert are all back starting Tuesday night, marking the first time in weeks that the entire late-night lineup will be airing fresh content simultaneously.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. With Labor Day behind us, the fall TV season is kicking off, and the late-night hosts have plenty of cultural headlines, political fireworks, and celebrity guests to dig into.

One More Night of Reruns

There’s just one last rerun hurdle to clear: all four shows will air encore episodes on Monday, Sept. 1. Then, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 2, new episodes return across the board. From Colbert’s must-see chat with John Oliver to Fallon’s star-studded guest lineup, here’s a breakdown of what’s coming to your late-night screens this week.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

The Late Show returns to CBS with extra significance: this week marks the beginning of the end for Colbert’s tenure, following CBS’s shocking announcement earlier this year that the show would be canceled in May 2026. That knowledge adds weight to every episode moving forward.

Tuesday, Sept. 2 (New): John Oliver joins Colbert in what is sure to be a headline-grabbing conversation. Oliver hasn’t appeared since Colbert’s cancellation was announced, so viewers can expect candid remarks about the state of late night. Stand-up Joe Dombrowski also appears.

Wednesday, Sept. 3 (New): Mark Ruffalo and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony.

Thursday, Sept. 4 (New): America Ferrera and Katherine Maher, CEO of NPR.

Why it matters: Colbert has been outspoken about his cancellation and vocal in supporting fellow hosts under fire from political critics. His return week is likely to include monologues that directly address both his show’s future and the ongoing feud between late night and President Trump.

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

After a summer of rotating guest hosts, Jimmy Kimmel is finally back in his Hollywood studio chair. The Emmy winner hasn’t hosted in weeks, and a lot has happened since then — including Trump publicly taunting him as “next” to be canceled after Colbert. Expect Kimmel to come out swinging in his opening monologues.

Tuesday, Sept. 2 (New): Denzel Washington, model Brooks Nader, and musical guest The Marías.

Wednesday, Sept. 3 (New): Mark Hamill, comedian Andrew Santino, and musical guest Gigi Perez.

Thursday, Sept. 4 (New): Regina King, Michael Chiklis, and musical guest Supergrass.

Why it matters: Kimmel has been one of Colbert’s most vocal defenders, openly criticizing both political pressure on late-night TV and network decisions. His first monologue back will likely set the tone for late night’s political commentary this fall.

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

While Kimmel and Colbert may generate the most political heat this week, Fallon has lined up arguably the flashiest guest list. The Tonight Show will be loaded with A-listers from film, music, and sports.

Tuesday, Sept. 2 (New): Jessica Chastain, Paul Mescal & Josh O’Connor, White Lotus standout Sabrina Impacciatore, plus a performance by Arthur Hanlon, Carlos Vives & Goyo.

Wednesday, Sept. 3 (New): Steve Buscemi, music legend David Byrne, actress Malin Akerman, and a musical set by Byrne himself.

Thursday, Sept. 4 (New): LL COOL J, NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and country hitmaker Riley Green.

Why it matters: Fallon’s lighter approach remains a contrast to his rivals, but his mix of celebrity-driven fun and music makes him uniquely suited to kick off fall TV. With Colbert and Kimmel in the headlines, Fallon is positioning The Tonight Show as the week’s most entertainment-packed option.

Late Night with Seth Meyers

Meyers rounds out NBC’s late-night block, bringing back his sharp political humor and signature “A Closer Look” segments. While his guest list is a bit lower key, Meyers’ commentary is always appointment viewing — particularly given that Trump recently singled him out with disparaging remarks.

Tuesday, Sept. 2 (New): Kumail Nanjiani (currently on Broadway in Oh, Mary!) and Domhnall Gleeson (The Paper, Peacock’s Office spinoff).

Wednesday, Sept. 3 (New): Director Spike Lee (Highest 2 Lowest) and Rainn Wilson (Code 3).

Thursday, Sept. 4 (New): Catherine Zeta-Jones and comedian Julio Torres.

Why it matters: Meyers is entering his 12th season, and he remains one of the most politically pointed hosts on late night. Expect him to address Trump’s attacks directly in his return week.

The State of Late Night

The coordinated return of all four shows highlights how volatile the late-night scene has become. Colbert’s cancellation shook the industry, while Fallon recently secured an extension at NBC and Kimmel has been rumored to be weighing an exit strategy. Meyers has been steady but remains in Trump’s crosshairs.

This week’s premieres will likely set the tone for the entire fall season, especially with the 2026 election cycle already heating up. Political commentary has become the defining late-night battleground, even as ratings decline and competition from podcasts and streaming intensifies.

The Bottom Line

After weeks of reruns, late-night television is officially back in full force. Colbert, Fallon, Kimmel, and Meyers all return with fresh episodes starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, and each has something unique to bring to the table:

Colbert begins his farewell stretch.

Kimmel returns to address Trump and Colbert’s cancellation.

Fallon packs his couch with Hollywood heavyweights.

Meyers sharpens his political scalpel.

For viewers, it means one thing: finally, a week where late-night feels alive again.