The show, a staple of late-night comedy since 1993, will air its final episode in May 2026, marking a significant shift in CBS's programming strategy.
**Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' to Conclude in 2026 After 33 Years**
**Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' to Conclude in 2026 After 33 Years**
CBS announces the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, amid financial challenges in the late-night television landscape.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a hallmark of late-night television, will air its last episode in May 2026, as announced by CBS on Thursday. The decision, described as a "purely financial" move amidst a difficult climate for late-night talk shows, has raised eyebrows regarding the show's content and political implications, especially following a recent lawsuit settlement with Donald Trump.
During a recorded segment at the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York, Colbert, visibly emotional, shared the news with his audience, who responded with disbelief and boos. "And of course, I'm grateful to you, the audience, who have joined us every night in here, out there, all around the world," Colbert said. This cancellation ends a legacy that began when the show launched in 1993, making it CBS's first late-night program since it replaced David Letterman in 2015.
CBS's reasoning for ending the show comes amid changing dynamics in television viewership, with traditional networks facing increasing competition from digital platforms and podcasts. The broadcaster confirmed that Colbert's show was not a victim of quality drop or viewer exodus but a strategic financial choice. CBS stated, "We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire 'The Late Show' franchise."
Political sentiment regarding the cancellation has sparked discussion, particularly after CBS's settlement over allegations from Trump regarding a prior interview with Kamala Harris. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff suggested a potential connection between the cancellation and the settlement, emphasizing that the public deserves transparency if political motivations pressured the network's decision. Senator Elizabeth Warren joined this call for clarity.
Despite the program's end, rival networks like ABC and NBC will continue their late-night offerings, with hosts such as Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon securing contracts through to 2028. Colbert's departure signals a pivotal change for CBS, which has maintained a late-night comedy presence for over three decades.
Among industry reactions, fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel expressed his solidarity with Colbert on social media, while former colleagues and fans hailed Colbert’s impact. Messages from notable figures in entertainment, including filmmaker Judd Apatow and actor Ben Stiller, poured in, acknowledging Colbert's contributions and expressing sadness over the show's conclusion.
As The Late Show approaches its final broadcasts, discussions about the future of late-night television, the implications for CBS, and Colbert's enduring legacy within the genre will likely continue to unfold.
