Jimmy Kimmel is going bicoastal once again. After a fiery return from his summer hiatus, the Jimmy Kimmel Live! host announced that his long-running ABC late-night show will hit the road for another week of live tapings in Brooklyn this fall. But this time, he’s bringing along a guest who’s guaranteed to make headlines: Stephen Colbert.

The five-episode run at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House kicks off on September 29 and continues through October 3. It will mark the seventh time Jimmy Kimmel Live! has packed up its Los Angeles set and headed east, turning Brooklyn into the center of the late-night universe.

And with Colbert making one of his first appearances outside of The Late Show since CBS announced its shocking cancellation earlier this summer, the stage is set for one of the most talked-about late-night weeks of the year.

Kimmel Makes It Official

Kimmel casually dropped the announcement during his September 3 monologue, fresh off his return from hiatus. “We’re packing up our smoothies and heading back to Brooklyn for a week of shows at BAM,” he told the audience, sparking cheers. “And one of our guests that week will be my good friend Stephen Colbert. We have a lot to talk about.”

The understated delivery belied the weight of the news. Colbert, now navigating his final nine months as host of The Late Show before its sunset, has been a lightning rod of attention ever since CBS abruptly pulled the plug on the highest-rated late-night program of the past decade. His sit-down with Kimmel in Brooklyn promises to be more than just a promotional appearance — it could double as a cultural event.

A Brooklyn Tradition

For longtime viewers, Kimmel’s Brooklyn weeks have become a highlight of the late-night calendar. Since first broadcasting from the borough in 2012, he’s turned the residency into a celebratory mix of big-name guests, musical performances, and uniquely New York comedy bits.

Past Brooklyn guests have included Cardi B, Eminem, Wu-Tang Clan, Jason Bateman, Alicia Keys, David Letterman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris Rock, Senator Bernie Sanders, Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Jay-Z, Howard Stern, and more.

With a track record like that, it’s no wonder audiences anticipate who Kimmel will line up next. The addition of Colbert instantly raises the stakes — especially in light of Colbert’s ongoing farewell tour on CBS.

Colbert’s Final Season

The decision by CBS to cancel The Late Show caught many by surprise earlier this summer, particularly given its ratings success and cultural footprint. Colbert is now in the early weeks of a planned nine-month final season, during which he’ll continue to helm the program while exploring his next chapter.

His appearance with Kimmel will mark one of the first opportunities for fans to see him speak candidly about life after The Late Show. While Colbert has remained relatively tight-lipped about his future, Kimmel’s friendly environment could coax out stories, reflections, or even hints about what comes next.

And if Kimmel’s playful style is any indication, the two hosts won’t shy away from poking fun at CBS’s decision — or perhaps even at the absurdity of navigating late-night TV in 2025.

Late-Night’s Changing Landscape

The timing of Kimmel and Colbert’s Brooklyn rendezvous couldn’t be more symbolic. Late-night television has been in flux for years, with shifting viewing habits, the dominance of streaming, and viral social clips reshaping how audiences engage with comedy.

Just this week, Colbert, Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers all returned to their respective shows from summer hiatus, underscoring how crowded — and yet fragile — the late-night arena has become. Bravo’s Andy Cohen will follow suit on September 8, further adding to the mix.

Kimmel’s decision to host Colbert isn’t just about camaraderie. It’s also about demonstrating the resilience of the format. By joining forces, the two comedy titans remind viewers that late-night is still a space for big personalities, sharp commentary, and cultural relevance.

What to Expect from Brooklyn

Kimmel’s Brooklyn shows have a well-earned reputation for being bigger, louder, and bolder than the typical Los Angeles tapings. New York audiences bring an added energy, and the guest list tends to lean star-studded.

This time, anticipation is especially high:

Stephen Colbert’s Interview: Expect candid reflections on his career, jokes at CBS’s expense, and a broader discussion about the state of late-night television.

Celebrity Guests: While Colbert is the first name announced, the rest of the lineup will likely feature a mix of A-listers, musicians, and local New York icons.

Comedy Bits: Kimmel often uses the Brooklyn shows to stage larger-than-life comedy sketches, sometimes involving the city itself as the backdrop.

Musical Performances: Past Brooklyn weeks have featured powerhouse acts like Alicia Keys and Eminem. Fans can likely expect another roster of chart-topping talent.

A Friendship on Display

The bond between Kimmel and Colbert has long been one of late-night’s most charming subplots. Both men have weathered the highs and lows of the industry, and both have carved out distinct comedic voices that resonate with loyal audiences.

Their Brooklyn sit-down will no doubt feel as much like a reunion as an interview — part roast, part reflection, and part celebration of what they’ve built. And with Colbert nearing the end of his nightly run, the moment is sure to carry an extra layer of poignancy.

The Bigger Picture

Kimmel’s announcement comes as late-night faces some of its most uncertain days. Ratings for traditional broadcasts have dipped, younger audiences increasingly consume comedy through TikTok and YouTube, and networks are reconsidering the value of nightly talk shows altogether.

But if history has shown anything, it’s that late-night thrives on reinvention. By bringing his show to Brooklyn and welcoming Colbert into the mix, Kimmel is proving that the format still has the power to capture attention — and maybe even redefine itself.

For fans, it’s not just about watching Kimmel in a new city. It’s about witnessing a moment where two of late-night’s biggest names come together in a rare and unfiltered way.

The Last Word

As September turns to October, all eyes will be on Brooklyn. Jimmy Kimmel Live! will once again transform the Brooklyn Academy of Music into the epicenter of late-night comedy, with Stephen Colbert’s appearance already shaping up to be the marquee event.

For Colbert, it’s a chance to reflect, laugh, and maybe vent as he heads toward the end of an era. For Kimmel, it’s another chance to showcase why his show has endured for over two decades, adapting, evolving, and still managing to surprise.

And for fans, it’s a reminder that even in a shifting media landscape, late-night TV still has the power to create unforgettable moments.

So mark your calendars: from September 29 to October 3, late-night belongs to Brooklyn.