After taking a couple of weeks off, the late night shows are slated to come back on Monday, Jan. 5. We have confirmation that three of the usual suspects are back, and we’re sure to see the other two return.
It’s been a quiet Christmas and New Year without them. In some good news, the break wasn’t completely empty. Jimmy Kimmel sat down for the Alternative Christmas Message on Channel 4, where he made it clear that while it’s been “a great year” for fascism, in the end, Kimmel won, and Trump lost when it came to his suspension and the protection of the First Amendment Rights.
Now it’s time to get ready for a new set of episodes, although it’s a bittersweet start for The Late Show fans, as that will go off the air in May 2026.
The Tonight Show and Late Show are officially back
We know that three of the usual suspects will be back. The Daily Show on Comedy Central will start its 31st season on Monday, Jan. 5, with Jon Stewart hosting for the first episode of 2026. He renewed his contract through to the end of 2026, so we’ve got plenty of Monday nights with him.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon will also return on Monday, Jan. 5. Sadie Sink and John Charles will take to the stage. Sink is sure to talk about all things Stranger Things considering the final episode dropped on New Year’s Eve, while Josh Charles will want to talk about Best Medicine, his new show coming to FOX.
Kristen Stewart is confirmed as the first guest of the year on Late Night with Seth Meyers. The Cronology of Water writer and director will discuss her latest project, and then we’ll get to see Wagner Moura appear.
2 late shows not confirmed just yet
As for The Late Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live, we don’t have any confirmations of their returns just yet. We’re expecting both of them to come back on Monday, Jan. 5, and usually, the schedules are released over the weekend before the episodes start.
It wouldn’t make sense for ABC and CBS to give NBC the chance to get ahead in the ratings, which is why we’re sure that the shows will be back. It’ll be exciting to see who is on the shows, and check in on Monday to see the schedules for the week for all five main late night programs.
The broadcast late night shows air on weeknights from 11:35/10:35c on their respective networks. The Daily Show airs at 11/10c on Comedy Central.