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Late Night Talk Shows Tonight: Live Lineup and Air Times

Here are the late night talk shows scheduled to air tonight and key details to tune in quickly. Times are local unless noted; check your local affiliate for exact listings.

Mara Ellison
Late Night Talk Shows Tonight: Live Lineup and Air Times

Tonight’s Lineup at a Glance

Here are the late night talk shows scheduled to air tonight and key details to tune in quickly. Times are local unless noted; check your local affiliate for exact listings.

Network / Platform Show Host Scheduled Air Time Typical Guests
NBC Late Night Colin Jost 12:37 AM ET Musical guest, celebrity interview
CBS The Late Show Stephen Colbert 11:37 PM ET Newsmaker interview, comedy segment
ABC Jimmy Kimmel Live! Jimmy Kimmel 11:35 PM ET Celebrity, musical performance
Fox Jimmy Fallon Jimmy Fallon 8:00 PM ET Games, music, celebrity
Comedy Central The Daily Show Jordan Klepper (or host) 11:00 PM ET Political and cultural commentary
truTV John Oliver John Oliver 10:00 PM ET In-depth news satire (weekly)

How to Find Show Times in Your Area

Because time zones and affiliate scheduling vary, confirm local times rather than relying on network times alone. Use network TV listings pages, cable guides, or reliable TV schedule apps. If you are watching online, network apps and authenticated streaming often require a TV provider login.

  • Check your local affiliate station website for delays or preemptions.
  • Use TV provider apps (e.g., NBC, CBS, ABC) for on-demand if you miss live airing.
  • Set reminders in streaming TV platforms that support calendar sync.

Hosts, Formats, and Typical Running Time

Most late night talk shows follow a monologue-heavy format with an average running time of 40–48 minutes, excluding ads. The Tonight Show and Late Show typically include celebrity interviews and a band, while others emphasize news satire or politics. Shows on cable may run longer or feature more niche topics.

What to Expect in Tonight’s Episodes

Because episodes are produced daily during the week, lineups often change with breaking news and guest availability. Tonight’s shows will likely include a mix of entertainment interviews, comedy bits, and topical sketches. Refer to the table above and network apps for the most precise local scheduling and any last-minute changes.

Streaming and Catch-Up Options

All major networks offer at least one way to watch live or on-demand: via their apps, network websites, or authenticated TV provider logins. Some cable and streaming packages include add-on channels that carry late night shows; determine whether your subscription covers live network feeds if you plan to cut the cord.

FAQ

Reader questions

Which show airs first tonight?

The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon often begins around 8:00 PM ET on Fox; however, this depends on local scheduling and sporting events. The earliest regularly scheduled late night show among the major networks is typically The Late Show on CBS at 11:37 PM ET.

Does tonight have a special guest or musical act?

Check the network’s official site or show-specific social accounts in the afternoon for the most accurate, updated guest and musical information. Listings in the table reflect typical formats rather than specific nightly details.

Can I watch these shows for free without cable?

Many networks offer a limited number of free episodes or clips, and some shows provide full episodes on their apps with TV provider authentication. Free ad-supported streaming services occasionally carry late night clips or next-day episodes, but live access usually requires a qualifying TV subscription.

Are late night times affected by sports or breaking news?

Yes. Live sports, awards shows, or major news events can preempt or delay late night start times. Always verify with your local affiliate if you are planning to watch live.