The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is set to conclude in May 2026 after an impressive 33-year run, as confirmed by CBS in an unexpected announcement on Thursday. The network emphasized that this decision is financially motivated in the face of a challenging late-night television landscape and does not reflect the show's performance, content, or any other issues. Colbert shared the news during a live taping, prompting a wave of disappointment from the audience.
Colbert expressed his appreciation for CBS, stating, "The folks at CBS have been great partners," and acknowledged the audience's support throughout the years. This development marks a significant shift for CBS, as they will be without a late-night comedy show for the first time since 1993. Colbert succeeded David Letterman as host in 2015 and has been notable for his critical takes on various political figures, particularly former President Donald Trump.
This announcement arrives shortly after CBS's parent company Paramount resolved a lawsuit with Trump, leading some to speculate whether the show's cancellation might be politically motivated. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, who was recently interviewed by Colbert, raised concerns about the cancellation being tied to the legal settlement, where CBS was found to have deceptively edited an interview aired on 60 Minutes with Trump’s electoral opponent, Kamala Harris.
The Late Show was launched by CBS in 1993 amid competing interests between hosts David Letterman and Jay Leno. Prior to helming The Late Show, Colbert was known for "The Colbert Report," which satirized conservative politics. As negotiations are underway between Paramount and Skydance Media for a potential merger, CBS's decision underscores the ongoing struggles within the network to attract younger audiences in an era dominated by online streaming platforms.
In their statement, CBS noted they consider Colbert irreplaceable and intend to retire The Late Show franchise. While rival networks, ABC and NBC, will continue to air their late-night shows with established hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, there's increasing pressure on traditional broadcasts to adapt to a rapidly changing media environment.
Reactions from fellow comedians and industry figures poured in following the announcement, with many sharing their admiration for Colbert. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel offered his support on social media, while others like actor Ben Stiller lamented the loss of a standout show in the landscape of late-night television. As Colbert prepares to wrap up his tenure, audiences can expect an emotional journey over the next ten months.
Colbert expressed his appreciation for CBS, stating, "The folks at CBS have been great partners," and acknowledged the audience's support throughout the years. This development marks a significant shift for CBS, as they will be without a late-night comedy show for the first time since 1993. Colbert succeeded David Letterman as host in 2015 and has been notable for his critical takes on various political figures, particularly former President Donald Trump.
This announcement arrives shortly after CBS's parent company Paramount resolved a lawsuit with Trump, leading some to speculate whether the show's cancellation might be politically motivated. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, who was recently interviewed by Colbert, raised concerns about the cancellation being tied to the legal settlement, where CBS was found to have deceptively edited an interview aired on 60 Minutes with Trump’s electoral opponent, Kamala Harris.
The Late Show was launched by CBS in 1993 amid competing interests between hosts David Letterman and Jay Leno. Prior to helming The Late Show, Colbert was known for "The Colbert Report," which satirized conservative politics. As negotiations are underway between Paramount and Skydance Media for a potential merger, CBS's decision underscores the ongoing struggles within the network to attract younger audiences in an era dominated by online streaming platforms.
In their statement, CBS noted they consider Colbert irreplaceable and intend to retire The Late Show franchise. While rival networks, ABC and NBC, will continue to air their late-night shows with established hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, there's increasing pressure on traditional broadcasts to adapt to a rapidly changing media environment.
Reactions from fellow comedians and industry figures poured in following the announcement, with many sharing their admiration for Colbert. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel offered his support on social media, while others like actor Ben Stiller lamented the loss of a standout show in the landscape of late-night television. As Colbert prepares to wrap up his tenure, audiences can expect an emotional journey over the next ten months.
