The upcoming end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, initially created to compete against NBC's late-night giants, marks the conclusion of an era for CBS as it shifts its focus amid industry challenges.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Set to Conclude in May 2026
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Set to Conclude in May 2026
CBS confirms the cancellation of the long-running late-night show in a surprising announcement.
In an unexpected announcement made by CBS on Thursday, it was revealed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude in May 2026. The decision, described by the network as a financial maneuver in tough times for late-night television, has no reflection on the show's performance or content, CBS emphasized.
This announcement follows closely after a settlement was reached between CBS's parent company, Paramount, and former President Donald Trump regarding a lawsuit linked to a contentious CBS interview with Kamala Harris, Trump's rival in the upcoming 2024 election. With the show's end, CBS will be without a late-night comedy talk show for the first time since 1993, a significant shift from what has been a staple in American late-night television.
During a live taping earlier in the day, Stephen Colbert shared the news with a visibly shocked audience, which responded with boos and cries of protest. "I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners," Colbert expressed, revealing that he received the news just the night before. "It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS. I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away."
Launched in 1993 amid a fierce late-night rivalry, Colbert took the reins in 2015, succeeding David Letterman. His tenure has been marked by sharp political commentary, often targeting Trump and hosting numerous democratic leaders. The cancellation decision coincides with ongoing merger discussions between Paramount and Skydance Media, which await U.S. federal approval.
In light of the program's ending, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff raised concerns on social media that the cancellation may be linked to political motivations stemming from the CBS-Trump lawsuit settlement, suggesting "the public deserves to know" if the show's demise was politically influenced. Paramount clarified that the settlement would specifically support Trump's future presidential library, sparking debates on the implications of such a financial arrangement.
As CBS navigates industry challenges and declining viewership, the network emphasized that Stephen Colbert is "irreplaceable" and that The Late Show brand will be retired, signifying a closing chapter in the legacy of late-night television. Meanwhile, rival networks ABC and NBC continue to maintain their late-night programs with existing contracts through to 2028, leaving CBS with a major gap to fill in its programming lineup.
