While Colbert and Kimmel stay live, late-night favorites suddenly vanish from the airwaves—here’s what we know.
In a surprise move that’s left late-night TV fans scratching their heads (and double-checking their DVRs), three of television’s most popular talk shows have hit pause—at the same time.
NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show are all officially on hiatus this week. And while brief breaks are nothing new in the world of television production, the timing has sparked curiosity, especially given that two of their late-night peers—Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel—are charging ahead with fresh episodes all week long.
So, what gives? Are we looking at a quiet, standard break in programming—or is something else happening behind the scenes? While fans speculate and reruns fill the schedule, we’re diving into the possible reasons behind the blackout, what it means for the state of late-night, and why this coordinated pause has more significance than meets the eye.
Let’s unpack what’s going on—and what’s next for your favorite late-night hosts.
Three Shows, One Week Off — A Curious Timing
Let’s start with the facts: all three shows—Fallon, Meyers, and The Daily Show—have gone dark this week, marking their first simultaneous break of the fall television season.
NBC has confirmed that both The Tonight Show and Late Night are on scheduled hiatuses and are slated to return with new episodes on Monday, October 20. Likewise, Comedy Central has announced that The Daily Show will resume its run on the same day.
On the surface, it sounds routine. But what makes this week particularly interesting is that the other big players in late-night—Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show on CBS and Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC—are very much still on the air.
In fact, both shows have major guest lineups this week, from Keanu Reeves and Bette Midler to Maya Rudolph and Bill Murray. With such A-list names lighting up those stages, some viewers are wondering: why are Fallon, Meyers, and The Daily Show sitting this week out?
No Drama, Just the Calendar? Maybe…
According to NBC insiders, the breaks were planned in advance, part of the typical production rhythm that late-night shows follow throughout the year. Especially during the fall months, it’s common for shows to pause every 4–6 weeks for a short reset.
Both Fallon and Meyers typically pre-tape episodes Monday through Thursday, leaving Friday open or reserved for reruns. A one-week break, particularly in early-to-mid October, fits into their usual programming cadence.
As for The Daily Show, the Comedy Central staple—still operating with rotating guest hosts—has had a less predictable schedule since the departure of Trevor Noah. Weeks off have become relatively common as the show continues its hunt for a permanent successor.
So yes, the breaks may be entirely routine. But with only two of the Big Five late-night shows airing new episodes this week, it naturally creates a void—and opens the door for speculation.
A Big Week for the Competition
It’s also worth noting just how stacked the guest list is this week for both Colbert and Kimmel.
Stephen Colbert kicks things off Monday night with a Bill & Ted reunion—featuring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, who are currently starring together on Broadway in Waiting for Godot. That alone is a major cultural moment for fans of both film and theater.
Later in the week, Colbert welcomes names like Nick Offerman, Naomi Watts, and Maya Rudolph—a mix of seasoned talent and timely stars promoting fall films, series, and stage productions.
Over at ABC, Jimmy Kimmel is opening the week with Bill Murray, who remains one of late-night’s most unpredictable and entertaining guests. He’s joined by Kat Dennings, with additional appearances from Roy Wood Jr., Chris O’Donnell, and Bette Midler rounding out the week.
In short: while Fallon, Meyers, and The Daily Show rest, Colbert and Kimmel are going all-in.
The question then becomes—did NBC and Comedy Central intentionally schedule their hiatuses away from major guest opportunities? Or was this simply a coincidence?
Why These Pauses Matter
It may sound like inside baseball, but the dynamics of late-night programming matter—especially in an era when late-night itself is evolving fast.
Over the past year, audiences have witnessed massive changes in the space: CBS announcing the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2026, ABC temporarily suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier this fall, and The Daily Show continuing to rotate guest hosts while weighing the future of its format entirely.
Behind all of these shifts are larger questions: How does late-night survive in the age of streaming? Who is the audience now? And how do networks manage their talent amid changing political, cultural, and corporate pressures?
So when three shows take the same week off—even if it’s pre-scheduled—it invites a closer look.
Fallon and Meyers: A Strategic Pause?
Both Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers have maintained relatively steady ratings this fall, though they trail behind the big headlines often generated by Kimmel and Colbert.
Fallon, who’s been focusing on upbeat, apolitical comedy and high-profile musical guests, is also juggling multiple NBC projects, including his game show That’s My Jam and a new Wordle-inspired game show in development.
Meyers, on the other hand, has carved out a niche with his sharp political segments like “A Closer Look,” which continue to gain traction online even when his traditional TV ratings fluctuate.
Given their packed schedules, it’s possible the break simply allows their teams a moment to regroup before the rush of awards season guests and year-end programming.
What About The Daily Show?
As for The Daily Show, its current status is best described as “transitional.”
The long-running satirical news show is still cycling through guest hosts—although recent stints by Roy Wood Jr., Kal Penn, and Desi Lydic have been well received. Comedy Central has not officially announced a permanent host, though industry chatter suggests that decision may come in early 2026.
Taking a week off now, ahead of what’s expected to be a crowded and politically intense winter season, may give producers time to recalibrate and plan future tapings.
When Will They Be Back?
According to network lineups, The Tonight Show, Late Night, and The Daily Show are all scheduled to return Monday, October 20. That means fans only have to endure a five-night stretch of reruns before their favorite hosts return with fresh takes and new guests.
In the meantime, viewers can still catch new episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, both airing Monday through Thursday this week on CBS and ABC, respectively.
Final Thoughts: Is Late-Night at a Crossroads?
This week’s coordinated break may not mark the end of anything—but it does reflect an important truth: late-night TV is still figuring out what comes next.
With more viewers turning to streaming, YouTube, and podcasts for comedy and current events, traditional late-night shows are evolving. And in 2025, every pause, pivot, or personnel shift seems to come with extra scrutiny.
Still, there’s comfort in knowing these shows are sticking around—even if they take the occasional breather. For fans of Fallon, Meyers, and The Daily Show, the lights may be out for now, but they’ll be back on before long.
So grab the remote, check the guide, and enjoy the chaos of live television—because if this season has proven anything, it’s that anything can happen in late-night.
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