Strike Force Five reunites as Colbert's Late Show ends May 21
Why this story
Unprecedented late-night TV event with major cultural figures - unique entertainment story.
AUDIENCE TAKE
Strike Force Five's finale appearance caps their genuine friendship born from 2023's writers' strike solidarity.
CRITIC TAKE
NYT calls this 'likely their last appearance together' — late-night's collaborative era officially ending.
CULTURAL CONTEXT
NPR frames the May 21 finale as ending the Letterman-Carson lineage of network late-night TV.
Hidden Truth
Hidden truth: Kimmel's rerun strategy mirrors his 2015 Letterman tribute — industry friendship has its ratings limits.Read the full breakdown →
Should late-night hosts collaborate more regularly instead of competing?
