Top 7 richest late-night talk show hosts in 2025: Where does Stephen Colbert rank?

PaleyFest LA 2024 - "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" - Source: Getty
PaleyFest LA 2024 - "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" - Source: Getty. (Photo by Olivia Wong/WireImage)

Late-night talk shows have been a staple of the American Entertainment Industry for decades, with veteran hosts such as Stephen Colbert, Jay Leno, and many others. From political satire to artist promotion, late-night shows have provided a platform, which naturally led to a demand for more hosts who could increase viewership.

Naturally, talk-show hosts are reportedly paid well for being able to hold an audience. We are taking a look at the Top 7 richest late-night talk show hosts in 2025.

Jay Leno Visits "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" - Source: Getty. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Jay Leno Visits "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" - Source: Getty. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Stephen Colbert and other richest late-night talk show hosts in 2025

Deadline Contenders Television – Panels - Day 2 - Source: Getty.  (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Deadline Hollywood )
Deadline Contenders Television – Panels - Day 2 - Source: Getty. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Deadline Hollywood )

The recent announcement about Stephen Colbert's late-night talk show coming to an end has left netizens shocked. According to Rolling Stone, Stephen Colbert completed ten seasons of his late-night show. As the curtains of his show are drawn, we are taking a look at his estimated net worth and six other hosts who have made it big with late-night shows.

1. John Leno

According to news outlets, including Entertainment How and The Things, John Leno has reigned over late-night shows with reportedly the highest net worth of $450 million. With over two decades of hosting experience, John Leno was reportedly paid $30 million per season.


2. David Letterman

David Letterman has hosted late-night talk shows from 1982 to 2015, initially for NBC and later hosting The Late Show with CBS. His estimated net worth is $400 million, with him being paid $30 million per season.


3. Conan O'Brien

From being a host of Late Night With Conan O'Brien to hosting his own show, Conan has gradually secured his fan base. With an estimated net worth of $200 million, he reportedly ranks as the third wealthiest late-night talk show host of all time.


4. Bill Maher

Emmy-nominated comedian and political satirist Bill Maher rose to fame with HBO's Real Time and Comedy Central's show, Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher. Maher reportedly hasn't been shy to share his thoughts on current political scenarios and often has invited guests for intellectually charged discussions. He has an estimated net worth of $100 million.


5. Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah gained popularity with his late-night show, for which he was reportedly paid $16 million per season. Apart from that, Noah has gone on to publish his "best-selling autobiography, Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood." His net worth is estimated to be $100 million.


6. Stephen Colbert

While Stephen Colbert's show is coming to an end, he has been able to pierce through political and social narratives with his show, The Colbert Report. He also carried the momentum with The Late Show, previously hosted by David Letterman. He has an estimated net worth of $75 million.

Read More: Why is CBS canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert?


7. James Corden and Jimmy Fallon

According to The Things and celebritynetworth.com, James Corden and Jimmy Fallon each have an estimated net worth of $70 million. In their own right, the hosts gained popularity for their unique hosting styles. Corden's Carpool Karaoke has been a hit with celebrities and fans alike, while Jimmy continues to entertain his guests and audience with engaging discussions and games.


Who is your favorite late-night talk show host? Tell us in the comments below.

Edited by Janvi Kapur