Stephen Colbert's run as host will come to an end, marking the departure of CBS from the late-night comedy scene for the first time in over three decades.
The End of an Era: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to Conclude in May 2026
The End of an Era: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to Conclude in May 2026
CBS confirms the cancellation of The Late Show, citing financial reasons amidst a challenging late-night television landscape.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will officially conclude in May 2026, as announced by CBS in a surprising statement earlier today. The network cited financial challenges in late-night television as the sole reason for this decision, emphasizing that it was unrelated to the show’s performance or content. This move marks a significant shift in the late-night landscape, as it's the first time CBS will be without a late-night comedy talk show since 1993.
Colbert revealed the cancellation during a taping at the Ed Sullivan Theatre, eliciting emotional reactions from the audience. "I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners," Colbert expressed, adding his gratitude towards the audience who have supported the show. He disclosed that he had learned about the program's ending the previous night, sharing with the crowd that this is "not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS."
Launched in 1993, The Late Show was born out of competition with NBC, following a well-publicized dispute revolving around the legacy of legendary host Johnny Carson. Colbert took over the program from David Letterman in 2015 and has become a prominent voice critiquing former President Trump throughout his tenure. His pre-Colbert experience includes hosting The Colbert Report on Comedy Central, notorious for its humorous take on conservative politics and culture.
The announcement of the show’s cancellation coincides with the ongoing negotiations between Paramount and Skydance Media regarding a potential merger. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff raised questions about whether the cancellation had any political motivations, referencing a recent settlement involving Trump and CBS over an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite the cancellation, rival networks ABC and NBC are set to continue their late-night offerings, indicating a growing competition in an era where traditional television faces formidable challenges from digital streaming services and changing viewing habits. CBS stated, “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire 'The Late Show' franchise,” adding that both Colbert and the show will be remembered as vital parts of late-night television history.
Colbert revealed the cancellation during a taping at the Ed Sullivan Theatre, eliciting emotional reactions from the audience. "I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners," Colbert expressed, adding his gratitude towards the audience who have supported the show. He disclosed that he had learned about the program's ending the previous night, sharing with the crowd that this is "not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS."
Launched in 1993, The Late Show was born out of competition with NBC, following a well-publicized dispute revolving around the legacy of legendary host Johnny Carson. Colbert took over the program from David Letterman in 2015 and has become a prominent voice critiquing former President Trump throughout his tenure. His pre-Colbert experience includes hosting The Colbert Report on Comedy Central, notorious for its humorous take on conservative politics and culture.
The announcement of the show’s cancellation coincides with the ongoing negotiations between Paramount and Skydance Media regarding a potential merger. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff raised questions about whether the cancellation had any political motivations, referencing a recent settlement involving Trump and CBS over an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite the cancellation, rival networks ABC and NBC are set to continue their late-night offerings, indicating a growing competition in an era where traditional television faces formidable challenges from digital streaming services and changing viewing habits. CBS stated, “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire 'The Late Show' franchise,” adding that both Colbert and the show will be remembered as vital parts of late-night television history.
