# Colbert returns to late night as a guest, not a host

> The former Late Show host talks Emmys, his beard, and life after leaving the daily grind behind.
- Title: Colbert returns to late night as a guest, not a host
- Summary: The former Late Show host talks Emmys, his beard, and life after leaving the daily grind behind. Stephen Colbert says he's enjoying not having to think about…
- Keywords: stephen colbert, jimmy kimmel live, jimmy kimmel, the late show with stephen colbert, emmys, 2026 emmys, late night television, lord of the rings, beard, retirement, Colbert, returns
- Source: The Hollywood Reporter — https://hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/stephen-colbert-jimmy-kimmel-live-interview-1236703294
- Author: Abid Rahman
- Published: 2026-09-16T11:04:13+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: stephen colbert, jimmy kimmel live, jimmy kimmel, the late show with stephen colbert, emmys, 2026 emmys, late night television, lord of the rings, beard, retirement
## Colbert guests on Kimmel's show
Stephen Colbert appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! for a lengthy interview, switching from asking questions to answering them.
## No, he doesn't miss it
When Kimmel asked if he missed the grind of hosting, Colbert shot back with a firm no. He's enjoying not thinking about the news every day.

> Nope! I will say, I have an opportunity to not think about the news every day, and I took it.
## Seven Emmys for the final season
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert won seven awards at the 2026 Emmys for its final season.
## The beard-on-beard smooch
Colbert and Kimmel joked about sharing a smooch at the Emmys that the TV cameras didn't catch.
## Late night hosts are endangered
The pair discussed how late night hosts are becoming an endangered species, especially after Colbert's cancellation and ongoing speculation about Kimmel's future.
## Lord of the Rings movie coming
Colbert also discussed his upcoming Lord of the Rings movie project and what happened to all his Late Show suits.
## Key takeaway

Stephen Colbert says he's enjoying not having to think about the news every day after ending his Late Show run.