In a surprising announcement made on Thursday, CBS revealed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air its final episode in May 2026, concluding an impressive 33-year run. The company's statement attributed the move to "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night television," distancing the closure from any perceived shortcomings in show performance or other issues.
Colbert shared the news during a taping, eliciting boos from the live audience at the Ed Sullivan Theatre. “I want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners,” Colbert expressed, showing appreciation to his audience who have supported the show throughout the years. “It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS,” he added, noting there would be no replacement show, signaling a significant shift for the network.
This announcement marks the first time CBS will be without a late-night comedy talk show since 1993. Colbert, who took over from David Letterman in 2015, gained a reputation as a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump during his tenure. CBS highlighted Colbert's irreplaceable contribution, stating that "we are proud that Stephen called CBS home."
The decision arrives amid speculation surrounding a recent $16 million settlement CBS reached with Trump over allegations of deceptive editing related to an interview that pitted him against Kamala Harris. Prominent political figures, including Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren, raised concerns about whether the cancellation was politically motivated.
Colbert's Late Show, established by CBS in 1993 as a response to competition from NBC's late-night offerings, has consistently engaged audiences, especially younger viewers navigating a landscape of streaming services and podcasts. While rival networks like ABC and NBC have secured their stars for future shows, the retirement of The Late Show franchise leaves a notable gap in CBS's programming.
Within hours of the announcement, reactions poured in from fans and colleagues alike. Jimmy Kimmel extended his love to Colbert while critiquing CBS' decision. Other stars, including Jon Batiste and filmmaker Judd Apatow, expressed admiration for Colbert's legacy and lamented the show’s closing.
As we approach this final chapter, Colbert's imminent departure from late-night television not only signifies a shift for CBS but a poignant moment for audiences who've turned into loyal fans over the decades. With just 10 months left, viewers can look forward to a memorable goodbye as Colbert wraps up his celebrated run.
Colbert shared the news during a taping, eliciting boos from the live audience at the Ed Sullivan Theatre. “I want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners,” Colbert expressed, showing appreciation to his audience who have supported the show throughout the years. “It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS,” he added, noting there would be no replacement show, signaling a significant shift for the network.
This announcement marks the first time CBS will be without a late-night comedy talk show since 1993. Colbert, who took over from David Letterman in 2015, gained a reputation as a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump during his tenure. CBS highlighted Colbert's irreplaceable contribution, stating that "we are proud that Stephen called CBS home."
The decision arrives amid speculation surrounding a recent $16 million settlement CBS reached with Trump over allegations of deceptive editing related to an interview that pitted him against Kamala Harris. Prominent political figures, including Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren, raised concerns about whether the cancellation was politically motivated.
Colbert's Late Show, established by CBS in 1993 as a response to competition from NBC's late-night offerings, has consistently engaged audiences, especially younger viewers navigating a landscape of streaming services and podcasts. While rival networks like ABC and NBC have secured their stars for future shows, the retirement of The Late Show franchise leaves a notable gap in CBS's programming.
Within hours of the announcement, reactions poured in from fans and colleagues alike. Jimmy Kimmel extended his love to Colbert while critiquing CBS' decision. Other stars, including Jon Batiste and filmmaker Judd Apatow, expressed admiration for Colbert's legacy and lamented the show’s closing.
As we approach this final chapter, Colbert's imminent departure from late-night television not only signifies a shift for CBS but a poignant moment for audiences who've turned into loyal fans over the decades. With just 10 months left, viewers can look forward to a memorable goodbye as Colbert wraps up his celebrated run.
