CBS has announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will officially end in May 2026, bringing both the popular program and its decades-old franchise to a close. The network said the decision was based entirely on financial reasons, citing the increasingly difficult economics of late-night television.
This marks the end of an era for The Late Show, which has been a staple of American late-night programming since its debut in 1993. Stephen Colbert took over as host in 2015 following David Letterman’s retirement, quickly making the show one of the most-watched in its time slot. Known for his sharp political humor and in-depth interviews, Colbert helped The Late Show maintain cultural relevance during a time of significant changes in media consumption.
CBS described the move as "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night." In recent years, late-night television has faced declining viewership and growing competition from streaming platforms, social media, and online content creators. As advertising revenues shrink and production costs remain high, many networks have started reevaluating their long-term commitments to the format.
While CBS did not specify any immediate plans to replace The Late Show, the announcement signals a major shift in the landscape of late-night TV. The departure of Colbert and the retirement of the franchise will leave a noticeable gap in the space once dominated by nightly talk shows.
Colbert has not yet publicly commented on the announcement. However, his influence on the format, particularly with his political commentary and ability to draw in high-profile guests, has left a lasting mark. Under his leadership, The Late Show frequently led in ratings and played a significant role in shaping political conversation during key moments like presidential elections and national crises.
The show will continue airing until May 2026, allowing fans time to enjoy its final stretch and giving CBS time to consider its next steps. For many viewers, the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will mark not just the close of a show, but the end of a chapter in television history.
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