How long have Stephen Colbert and his writers been working on his monologue for tonight's final episode of The Late Show?

The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and anyone else airs tonight – and is about to start taping as I write this. Sarah will have full coverage tomorrow, this is a reminder that it’s happening and why so many people in the business will be watching. Jimmy Kimmel Live! is dark tonight and not because Jimmy needs a night off but because, as he explained on his show yesterday

“We will be off tomorrow night out of respect for our colleague and friend Stephen Colbert, and the writers, producers, and staff and crew at The Late Show, whose final show on CBS airs opposite ours.”

Basically he’s telling his viewers to watch Stephen’s show. He and his team will be watching Stephen’s show. Per The Hollywood Reporter:

“I think it is most important to congratulate Stephen and the team at The Late Show for all the great work over the last 11 years — and all the great work they will continue to do in other venues, I have no doubt,” he continued. “Everyone at that show has always been very gracious to us. We never felt like we were competing against them. It was nothing like the old days of late-night. I always loved being on Stephen’s show. I loved having him on ours. I hope we’re able to do that again. I hope he comes to visit as many times as possible.”

Then Kimmel concluded: “On behalf of everyone at our show, we want to say to everyone at your show: It has been a pleasure to work alongside you. I will be watching tomorrow night. I hope that those of you who watch our show will also tune in to CBS for the last time. Don’t ever watch it again. But watch tomorrow night to wish Stephen a fond farewell.”

I wonder how long Stephen and the writers have been working on his monologue. I wonder who’s seen the monologue… because of course even a couple of months ago the CBS lawyers were up his ass about what he could and couldn’t do. They for sure for sure for sure will be watching closely.

And it’s not just about what he says but what his guests says. And who those guests will be. Over the last few weeks there’s been a parade of A-listers on The Late Show, and many if not most of them have been pretty outspoken about what they think of the network’s decision to cancel the show. The final guests for the final episode have been a closely-guarded secret. There’s been speculation that it’s the Pope, maybe even George Clooney, or Bill Murray. Sarah’s post on this will be up first thing tomorrow.

What else happened today…

Kayleigh Donaldson on the 30^th anniversary of Mission Impossible and how Tom Cruise remade his image. (Pajiba)

Katie Holmes is wearing a dress on top of a maxi skirt and I’m calling it a long peplum since I was just writing about peplums yesterday. (Go Fug Yourself)

Whyyyy are we still talking about Jessica Simpson flying first class with her kids in economy, was there really that much outrage? (EW)

Here’s a better question: would you bring your kids to Hooters? (The Cut)

The latest rumours about when and where Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles are getting married. (Celebitchy)

Photo credits: Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock