In a surprise announcement, CBS confirmed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will come to a close in May 2026, ending a significant chapter in late-night television history. The decision marks the end of the network’s three-decade-long commitment to late-night comedy talk shows.
CBS addressed the decision as a “financial move” in light of the challenges currently facing the late-night television industry, with the network stating that the cancellation “is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or any other matters.”
The news broke just two weeks after CBS’s parent company, Paramount, resolved a lawsuit with former President Donald Trump over a CBS interview with Kamala Harris, his 2024 election opponent. This lawsuit, which saw CBS agreeing to a $16 million settlement, raised questions about whether the network’s decision was linked to political pressures.
During a taping earlier on Thursday, Colbert, visibly emotional, shared the news with his live audience at the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York City. The crowd responded with boos and cries of protest. Colbert acknowledged their disappointment, stating, “I share your feeling,” before adding, “This is all just going away.”
Colbert, who took over The Late Show from David Letterman in 2015, has become a notable critic of Trump and has used the platform to host numerous Democratic figures. His tenure follows a successful career hosting The Colbert Report on Comedy Central, where he gained fame for his satirical commentary on American politics.
The show’s end comes amid wider challenges facing traditional television networks as they contend with the rise of online streaming platforms and changing audience preferences. CBS also noted that it considered Stephen Colbert “irreplaceable” but would retire The Late Show franchise in its entirety, marking the first time since 1993 that the network will not have a late-night talk show.
In response to the cancellation, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff expressed concerns on X (formerly Twitter), asking whether the decision was tied to the $16 million settlement with Trump. “If Paramount and CBS ended The Late Show for political reasons, the public deserved to know,” Schiff posted.
Colbert’s cancellation announcement is yet another sign of the evolving landscape of television programming, with networks striving to maintain relevance in an era dominated by online content and shifting viewer habits. While CBS moves away from late-night talk shows, its rivals ABC and NBC remain committed to their own flagship programs: Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC, and The Tonight Show and Late Night on NBC, both of which are expected to continue for years to come.
As for Colbert, he remains a significant figure in American television, known for his sharp wit and ability to blend comedy with political commentary. His show’s legacy will surely be remembered as one of late-night television’s most influential.
