In a surprising move, CBS announced on July 17, 2025, that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will end in May 2026, concluding a historic 33-year run for the late-night franchise. The decision, described by CBS as “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” will see the network retire the “Late Show” entirely, with no replacement host planned. Stephen Colbert, who has helmed the show since 2015, shared the news with his audience during a taping at New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater, prompting audible boos and an emotional response from fans.
Colbert, a prominent voice in late-night television known for his sharp political satire, particularly targeting former President Donald Trump, expressed gratitude to CBS, his 200-person crew, and his audience. “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of ‘The Late Show’ on CBS,” he said, adding, “I’m so grateful to the Tiffany Network for giving me this chair and this beautiful theater to call home.” The show, which has been the top-rated late-night program for nine consecutive seasons, averaged 2.417 million viewers across 41 new episodes this year, according to Nielsen ratings.
The announcement comes amid speculation about political motivations, fueled by Colbert’s recent criticism of Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, for settling a $16 million lawsuit with Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris. Colbert called the settlement a “big fat bribe” on air, raising eyebrows given Paramount’s pending $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, which requires approval from Trump’s administration. Democratic Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren questioned whether the cancellation was politically driven, with Schiff stating, “If Paramount and CBS ended the Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know.” CBS, however, insists the decision is unrelated to the show’s content or performance.
The cancellation marks a significant shift in late-night television, a genre facing declining viewership and ad revenue as younger audiences turn to streaming and digital platforms. CBS recently axed “After Midnight,” and other networks like NBC have scaled back late-night programming. Fellow late-night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, expressed support for Colbert, with Kimmel posting, “Love you Stephen,” alongside a pointed jab at CBS. Fans and industry figures, including Jon Batiste and Judd Apatow, voiced dismay, praising Colbert’s wit and cultural impact.
As “The Late Show” prepares for its final 10 months, Colbert promised to continue delivering his signature humor, saying, “It’s a fantastic job, and I’m looking forward to doing it with this usual gang of idiots.” The end of the franchise, which began with David Letterman in 1993, leaves CBS without a late-night presence for the first time in over three decades, signaling a broader decline in traditional late-night TV.
SOURCES:
CBS cancels Stephen Colbert’s late-night show, calling decision financial | Reuters
Jimmy Kimmel Lashes out at CBS for Canceling Colbert: ‘F**k You’
Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ canceled by CBS, to end in May 2026 – The Washington Post
Celebrities React to Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Cancellation
Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ has been canceled by CBS | AP News
Stephen Colbert says The Late Show will end after 33 years
CBS Cancels ‘Late Show With Stephen Colbert,’ Late-Night Hosts React
