In a heartfelt and surprising announcement, Stephen Colbert revealed that The Late Show will come to a close in May 2026 after an impressive 33-year tenure on CBS. The network described the decision as purely financial, emphasizing that it is unrelated to the show's performance. Colbert shared the news during a live recording of his show, eliciting an emotional response from the audience as they expressed their disapproval. The move signifies the first time since 1993 that CBS will not have a late-night comedy talk show.
The End of an Era: Stephen Colbert Announces The Late Show's Conclusion in 2026
The End of an Era: Stephen Colbert Announces The Late Show's Conclusion in 2026
CBS reveals that The Late Show, hosted by Stephen Colbert, will conclude in May 2026 after a remarkable 33-year run.
Colbert, who has been a prominent voice in late-night television since taking over from David Letterman in 2015, lamented the end of the show and its impacts, stating he wished "somebody else was getting it" instead of him. Interestingly, this announcement comes just weeks after CBS's parent company, Paramount, settled a lengthy lawsuit with former President Donald Trump concerning the editing of an interview with Kamala Harris, raising questions from politicians about the motivations behind the show's cancellation.
Despite the exit, CBS praised Colbert as "irreplaceable," acknowledging his significant contribution to late-night television. The landscape of late-night shows continues to evolve, as rival networks ABC and NBC have confirmed their popular programs will remain in production. Colbert's peers and fans have taken to social media to express their sorrow and support, reflecting the deep impact he has made during his time on the program.
As fans and colleagues alike prepare for the final stretch, the legacy of The Late Show will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the genre of late-night comedy.
The Late Show, hosted by Stephen Colbert, is set to conclude in May 2026 after 33 years on air. CBS cites financial reasons for the decision, unrelated to the show's content or performance. The announcement has sparked speculation about its timing, coinciding with a lawsuit settlement involving the show's involvement with Donald Trump.
Despite the exit, CBS praised Colbert as "irreplaceable," acknowledging his significant contribution to late-night television. The landscape of late-night shows continues to evolve, as rival networks ABC and NBC have confirmed their popular programs will remain in production. Colbert's peers and fans have taken to social media to express their sorrow and support, reflecting the deep impact he has made during his time on the program.
As fans and colleagues alike prepare for the final stretch, the legacy of The Late Show will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the genre of late-night comedy.
The Late Show, hosted by Stephen Colbert, is set to conclude in May 2026 after 33 years on air. CBS cites financial reasons for the decision, unrelated to the show's content or performance. The announcement has sparked speculation about its timing, coinciding with a lawsuit settlement involving the show's involvement with Donald Trump.
