In a surprising decision, CBS announced that it will conclude The Late Show with Stephen Colbert next year, with the final episode slated for May 2026, which aligns with the typical end of the broadcast television season. This move signals CBS’s possible exit from the late-night television landscape despite The Late Show being one of the network’s top-rated programs.
The timing of this announcement is intriguing, particularly as it follows closely on the heels of CBS’s parent company, Paramount, settling a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against CBS News, raising questions about Colbert’s position given his history as a vocal critic of the former president. During a recent episode, Colbert addressed concerns about the show’s future, condemning the Paramount settlement as a “big fat bribe” and joking about the necessity of his new moustache for protection against corporate pressure.
CBS clarified that the cancellation is strictly a financial decision and not influenced by performance or content issues. Colbert officially shared the cancellation news during a taping of his show, expressing gratitude towards CBS for the opportunity, despite the audience’s audible discontent. He remarked on the end of his tenure as a significant moment, noting, "Next year will be our last season," and lamenting, "This is all just going away."
Colbert has helmed The Late Show since 2015, succeeding David Letterman, and has hosted numerous high-profile guests, contributing to the show’s strong ratings. Despite the public outcry, he maintained a respectful tone towards CBS, acknowledging the network’s support over the years. This decision comes on the heels of CBS’s cancellation of The Late Late Show with James Corden in 2023 for similar profitability concerns.
Overall, the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert marks a significant shift in late-night television, signalling broader challenges within the genre as networks grapple with shifts in viewership and revenue.