Stephen Colbert’s run on The Late Show has wrapped up, bringing the long-running CBS franchise to a close. After more than 10 years at the desk, the host has also built up what’s widely reported to be a sizable personal fortune.
News broke last year that The Late Show would be ending after more than three decades on television, a move some observers argued was driven by politics.
Colbert stepped into the role in 2015, following the show’s original host and creator, David Letterman. Letterman has since condemned the decision, calling it a ‘huge mistake’. Trump, meanwhile, has publicly celebrated Colbert’s departure.
For the final episode, Colbert shared the spotlight with fellow late-night names Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and Jon Stewart — all of whom have publicly backed him.
Together, the six hosts represent a combined fortune in the hundreds of millions. Here’s how their reported earnings and net worth compare.
Stephen Colbert
Colbert, 62, was reportedly earning $15 million per year for his work on The Late Show, and his net worth is estimated at $75 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
He was said to be on roughly $6 million annually when he first took over, before receiving a major bump in 2019, per Page Six.
Jimmy Fallon
Fallon fronts NBC’s The Tonight Show, taking over in February 2014 after Jay Leno. Before that, he hosted Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
He’s believed to bring in about $16 million a year and is reported to have a net worth of $70 million.
Jimmy Kimmel
Kimmel hosts Jimmy Kimmel Live! and is also reported to earn around $16 million per year.
Late last year, he drew backlash over comments related to Charlie Kirk’s death, and the show was briefly taken off the air before returning a few days later.
His net worth is estimated at $50 million.
John Oliver
Last Week Tonight host John Oliver is reported to be the second-wealthiest among this group, with an estimated net worth of $80 million.
He is said to earn $30 million a year for helming Last Week Tonight.
Oliver’s US breakthrough came in 2006, when he joined The Daily Show as a correspondent during Jon Stewart’s tenure.
Seth Meyers
Meyers became a household name on Saturday Night Live, where he spent 13 years and served as head writer from 2011 to 2014.
He now hosts Late Night with Seth Meyers, reportedly earning $5 million per year, and has an estimated net worth of $25 million.
Jon Stewart
Stewart is reported to be the wealthiest of the six, with an estimated net worth of $120 million.
He is said to receive $25 million annually from Comedy Central for hosting The Daily Show.
In November 2025, it was announced that his contract had been extended through December 2026.