The CBS network stunned fans of late-night television by announcing that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will wrap up in May 2026. This decision, described by CBS as a result of "purely a financial decision," comes amidst tough competition in the late-night television market, and the network emphasizes that it is unrelated to any issues concerning the performance or content of the show.
Host Stephen Colbert, who has been at the helm since 2015, revealed the show's end during a live taping, eliciting a cascade of boos from the audience at the Ed Sullivan Theatre. Colbert expressed gratitude to CBS for their partnership and acknowledged his audience's disappointment, stating, "I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners." The abrupt cancellation announcement follows CBS's recent settlement of a lawsuit with former President Donald Trump related to an interview that aired with Kamala Harris, Trump's 2024 election rival.
The Late Show first launched in 1993, alongside a fierce rivalry for late-night supremacy largely influenced by the conflict between David Letterman and Jay Leno for the NBC throne. Under Colbert's leadership, the show gained notoriety for its political commentary, particularly critical of Trump, and established itself as a significant platform for discussions with Democratic figures, including recent talks with up-and-coming politicians like Zohran Mamdani.
This cancellation aligns with broader challenges confronting traditional television networks as they compete against streaming services and podcasts for viewership, especially among younger audiences. While CBS announced their intention to retire The Late Show franchise, other networks like ABC and NBC continue to run their own late-night programs, with established hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers securing their contracts through at least 2028.
As The Late Show prepares for its final curtain call, sentiment runs deep among both audiences and industry insiders, marking the end of a significant chapter in America's late-night television history.
Host Stephen Colbert, who has been at the helm since 2015, revealed the show's end during a live taping, eliciting a cascade of boos from the audience at the Ed Sullivan Theatre. Colbert expressed gratitude to CBS for their partnership and acknowledged his audience's disappointment, stating, "I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners." The abrupt cancellation announcement follows CBS's recent settlement of a lawsuit with former President Donald Trump related to an interview that aired with Kamala Harris, Trump's 2024 election rival.
The Late Show first launched in 1993, alongside a fierce rivalry for late-night supremacy largely influenced by the conflict between David Letterman and Jay Leno for the NBC throne. Under Colbert's leadership, the show gained notoriety for its political commentary, particularly critical of Trump, and established itself as a significant platform for discussions with Democratic figures, including recent talks with up-and-coming politicians like Zohran Mamdani.
This cancellation aligns with broader challenges confronting traditional television networks as they compete against streaming services and podcasts for viewership, especially among younger audiences. While CBS announced their intention to retire The Late Show franchise, other networks like ABC and NBC continue to run their own late-night programs, with established hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers securing their contracts through at least 2028.
As The Late Show prepares for its final curtain call, sentiment runs deep among both audiences and industry insiders, marking the end of a significant chapter in America's late-night television history.
