Late-Night Titans Reunite for Stephen Colbert’s Final Show — But Who’s Really Sitting on the Fortune Throne?
Stephen Colbert’s final weeks on The Late Show are here, and the late-night world came together for one unforgettable reunion. On Monday, Colbert laughed and reminisced alongside fellow giants Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, and Seth Meyers — a gathering that’s as star-studded as it is nostalgic. Fans might remember these hosts teaming up for the limited-run Strike Force Five podcast during the 2023 WGA strike, but this reunion carried a special weight: celebrating Colbert before his last episode airs on May 21.
While the camaraderie was undeniable, one question lingered among fans: who among these talk show icons truly rules the late-night riches?
Stephen Colbert, 62, who took over The Late Show in 2015 from David Letterman, is worth an estimated $75 million. His wealth comes from multi-year contracts, bestselling books, Broadway performances, and voice roles in hits like Monsters vs. Aliens and The Venture Bros. Even in retirement, Colbert isn’t slowing down — he’s co-writing the upcoming Lord of the Rings adaptation with his son Peter McGee and screenwriter Philippa Boyens.
Yet it’s not Colbert who tops the list. That honor goes to John Oliver, 49, the British comedian and Emmy-winning host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, boasting a net worth of $80 million. Oliver’s journey began in the UK on radio and Mock the Week before breaking through in the U.S. as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. His own HBO series, launched in 2014, became a cultural phenomenon, blending biting satire with investigative reporting — earning 30 Emmy wins from over 70 nominations.
Jimmy Fallon, 51, sits close behind with $70 million. The Saturday Night Live alum and Tonight Show host has expanded his fortune through film roles (Taxi, Fever Pitch), bestselling children’s books, and musical projects that keep him firmly in the spotlight.
Jimmy Kimmel, 58, the veteran host of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, follows with $50 million. A career spanning radio, Comedy Central, Emmy wins, and headline-making moments has kept Kimmel consistently relevant in entertainment.
Rounding out the group is Seth Meyers, 52, with $25 million. His fortune reflects his SNL roots, head-writing accolades, and hosting NBC’s Late Night since 2014 — plus stand-up specials and a Writers Guild of America Award.
Absent from Monday’s gathering, Jon Stewart would have claimed the ultimate late-night crown, boasting a staggering $120 million thanks to The Daily Show, books, films, and his production company, Busboy Productions.
The reunion wasn’t just about money, though. The hosts also teased a new Strike Force Five podcast episode dropping on Colbert’s 62nd birthday, with proceeds supporting Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen charity.
As these legends of late-night television laughed, shared stories, and celebrated a career that has shaped generations, the gathering reminded viewers that while the salaries and net worth are staggering, the impact of these hosts on comedy, culture, and television is truly priceless.
