The Washington Eye
After nearly a decade of shaping America’s late-night television landscape, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is set to end its run in May 2026, as officially confirmed by CBS. The announcement was made on July 17, 2025, during a live taping at the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan, where Colbert has hosted the show since its debut on September 8, 2015. With this decision, CBS is not only ending Colbert’s tenure but retiring the Late Show franchise entirely, leaving a noticeable gap in the late-night television lineup.
Stephen Colbert, now 61, took over from David Letterman and brought his satirical charm, political wit, and sharp interviews to millions of viewers nightly. The show consistently led its time slot, boasting an average viewership of 2.4 million and winning multiple Emmy Awards. Yet, despite its critical and commercial success, CBS stated that the show’s end is due to financial reasons, not performance-related issues. According to network insiders, production costs had ballooned over the years, reportedly causing annual losses exceeding $40 million. In an era where streaming platforms, digital shorts, and social media dominate younger audiences’ attention, traditional late-night talk shows have been struggling to maintain economic sustainability.
During the taping where he announced the show’s cancellation, Colbert appeared visibly emotional. He shared with the audience that he had only learned of the decision the night before. “This is the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away,” he said, to a wave of boos from the audience. He responded to their reaction with heartfelt gratitude, thanking his crew, the network, and his viewers. Throughout his announcement, Colbert emphasized that he would continue to host the show for its final season “with the usual gang of idiots,” a phrase he often uses affectionately to describe his team.
The timing of the cancellation has raised questions beyond financial concerns. CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, is currently navigating an $8 billion acquisition deal with Skydance Media. The network also recently paid a $16 million lawsuit settlement to Donald Trump over content aired on CBS. Some political commentators and fans have speculated that corporate and political pressures may have played a role in ending a show that has frequently been critical of conservative figures, especially during and after the Trump presidency. Senators and public figures such as Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff have expressed concern, implying that Colbert’s outspokenness might have made him a target.
Colbert’s exit is part of a broader transformation in the late-night landscape. NBC has scaled back production on its shows, ABC has made programming shifts, and CBS also recently canceled After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson. Streaming platforms and social media have become the go-to sources for comedy, commentary, and interviews, especially among younger demographics. In this changing media environment, traditional nightly talk shows are finding it increasingly difficult to justify their hefty budgets.
CBS has confirmed that there will be no replacement for The Late Show after Colbert’s departure, effectively closing the chapter on a franchise that began with David Letterman in 1993. This marks the first time in decades that CBS will not have a traditional late-night talk show occupying the 11:35 PM slot. While Colbert hasn’t announced his next move, his impact on television, political discourse, and comedy is undeniable. His show not only entertained but also challenged viewers to think critically, especially in politically charged times.
In the coming months, CBS is expected to air tribute episodes, highlight reels, and retrospectives as Colbert winds down the show. For fans and television historians alike, this marks the end of an era not just for Stephen Colbert, but for a style of late-night programming that once defined network television.
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