The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude in May 2026, marking a significant transition in CBS's programming and sparking conversations about the implications behind the decision.
**Colbert Announces The Late Show's Surprise End After 33 Years**
**Colbert Announces The Late Show's Surprise End After 33 Years**
Major shakeup in late-night TV as Colbert reveals his show's conclusion in 2026.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a fixture of late-night television since 1993, is set to air its final episode in May 2026. CBS made the announcement on Thursday, attributing the decision to financial considerations amidst an evolving television landscape, rather than any issues concerning performance or content. Colbert delivered the news to a shocked audience during a taping, and lamented, "It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS."
Taking over the show from David Letterman in 2015, Colbert has gained notoriety for his satirical commentary on politics, particularly during the Trump era. CBS emphasized its gratitude for Colbert's contributions, stating that he is "irreplaceable," and the iconic franchise will be retired after this farewell.
This obsolescence of CBS's late-night programming comes as a surprise, especially considering that rival networks continue to have strong late-night offerings, with NBC's Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers already signed on through 2028. Concurrently, the announcement follows a controversial settlement between CBS and Donald Trump, igniting theories regarding the timing and motivations behind the show's cancellation. Prominent politicians, like Senator Adam Schiff, insisted on transparency over potential political dynamics influencing the broadcast decision.
Colbert's colleagues and supporters from the industry reacted with a mix of sadness and solidarity, praising his legacy in late-night talk shows and expressing disbelief over the cancellation. Notable figures, including fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and filmmaker Judd Apatow, shared their admiration for Colbert, while fans prepare for a final season filled with nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt moments. As the late-night landscape continues to diversify, the ending of The Late Show marks a pivotal moment in television history.
Taking over the show from David Letterman in 2015, Colbert has gained notoriety for his satirical commentary on politics, particularly during the Trump era. CBS emphasized its gratitude for Colbert's contributions, stating that he is "irreplaceable," and the iconic franchise will be retired after this farewell.
This obsolescence of CBS's late-night programming comes as a surprise, especially considering that rival networks continue to have strong late-night offerings, with NBC's Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers already signed on through 2028. Concurrently, the announcement follows a controversial settlement between CBS and Donald Trump, igniting theories regarding the timing and motivations behind the show's cancellation. Prominent politicians, like Senator Adam Schiff, insisted on transparency over potential political dynamics influencing the broadcast decision.
Colbert's colleagues and supporters from the industry reacted with a mix of sadness and solidarity, praising his legacy in late-night talk shows and expressing disbelief over the cancellation. Notable figures, including fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and filmmaker Judd Apatow, shared their admiration for Colbert, while fans prepare for a final season filled with nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt moments. As the late-night landscape continues to diversify, the ending of The Late Show marks a pivotal moment in television history.
