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| Stephen Colbert's The Late Show |
- Stephen Colbert Late Show will officially end in May 2026 after nearly 11 years on air.
- Stephen Colbert Late Show was canceled due to financial pressures in late-night TV.
- Stephen Colbert Late Show will not be replaced; CBS retires the time slot entirely.
- Stephen Colbert Late Show announcement followed CBS’s Trump lawsuit settlement.
- Stephen Colbert Late Show finale sparks political speculation, though CBS denies bias.
Stephen Colbert's The Late Show is ending after 11 years on CBS
On July 17, 2025, CBS confirmed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will wrap up in May 2026, bringing an end to one of the most successful runs in modern late-night television. The network attributed the decision to financial constraints in a shifting entertainment landscape, not to any issues with the show’s performance or content.
Colbert, who took over from David Letterman in 2015, delivered the news during a recent taping. With a heartfelt message, he thanked his staff, CBS, and his audience, describing the end as both “bittersweet” and “inevitable in this business.”
Stephen Colbert's The Late Show cancelled for financial, not creative, reasons
CBS emphasized that the decision to cancel the Stephen Colbert Late Show was not driven by ratings or content controversies. Instead, the move reflects the broader economic challenges facing late-night programming. With fewer viewers tuning in live and advertising revenue declining, the format that once defined late-night culture is struggling to stay profitable.
Unlike past transitions where new hosts would step in, CBS made it clear there will be no successor to Colbert. The time slot will be retired, and alternative programming will be considered.
Stephen Colbert responds to The Late Show’s end with gratitude and honesty
During the emotional announcement, Stephen Colbert expressed sincere appreciation for the opportunity to host The Late Show for over a decade. He acknowledged the immense effort from writers, producers, and crew members who helped make the show a nightly staple for millions.
He also reflected on the show’s impact during turbulent political and cultural times: “We laughed through it all,” Colbert said, “and sometimes cried a little too.”
Stephen Colbert's The Late Show ends after CBS-Trump lawsuit settlement
While CBS maintains the decision was strictly financial, the timing raised eyebrows. The announcement came just days after CBS’s parent company, Paramount, settled a lawsuit with President Donald Trump for $16 million over a disputed interview.
Some Democratic politicians and media watchdogs have speculated that the Stephen Colbert Late Show cancellation could be tied to political pressure or settlement negotiations, given Colbert’s frequent critiques of Donald Trump during his monologues. However, CBS has firmly denied any connection between the two events.
Stephen Colbert Late Show was one of the top-rated programs in late-night
Despite the cancellation, The Stephen Colbert Late Show consistently led ratings among late-night talk shows in recent years. Known for its sharp political satire, clever interviews, and strong writing, the show successfully transitioned Colbert from his satirical “Colbert Report” persona into a more traditional talk show host, without losing his signature wit.
Colbert’s take on politics, especially during the Trump years, helped define the show’s voice and cultivate a loyal fan base. His departure will leave a noticeable gap in the late-night landscape.
Final bow for a bold late-night voice
The end of Stephen Colbert Late Show marks more than just the loss of a host; it signals a turning point for the entire late-night format. As audiences continue to shift to streaming, clips, and social platforms, the future of late-night as we know it is uncertain.
Still, Colbert’s influence on American comedy and political commentary is undeniable. And as he prepares for his final show in May 2026, fans are already reminiscing on the countless laughs, iconic guests, and unforgettable monologues that defined an era.
Emmy Nominations 2025: ‘Severance’ Scores Big as Streaming Services Take Over
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations have been announced, and Apple TV+’s Severance leads the charge with an impressive 27 nods. Other top contenders include Max’s The Penguin, Netflix’s The Gentlemen, and FX’s The Bear. This year’s list clearly reflects the growing dominance of streaming platforms and the industry’s shift toward darker, more complex storytelling.
