Colbert’s Late-Night Run Nears Its End
CBS has officially announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude in May 2026, marking the end of a decade-long era in late-night television. Colbert broke the news to his audience during a taping on July 17, 2025, expressing heartfelt gratitude to CBS and his 200-member team. “We get to do this show for each other every day, all day,” he said, visibly emotional.
A Historic Decision by CBS
In a surprising move, CBS confirmed it would not continue The Late Show franchise with a new host. This breaks from traditional late-night successions, where hosts typically pass the torch. CBS instead cited financial challenges, not ratings or content issues, as the primary reason for ending the show.
A Decade of Dominance
Since its debut in 2015, following the retirement of late-night legend David Letterman, Colbert’s version of The Late Show has been a consistent ratings leader. The show held the top spot in late-night television for nine consecutive seasons, outperforming competitors with its mix of sharp political commentary and thoughtful interviews.
A New Tone for a New Era
Colbert initially gained fame through his satirical role on The Colbert Report, but transitioned into a more authentic and politically pointed voice on The Late Show. His style resonated with audiences in a deeply polarized era, especially during the Trump administration, where his monologues often went viral.
Gratitude and Reflection
In his on-air announcement, Colbert praised his hardworking team and reflected on the unique opportunity to connect with audiences through humor, honesty, and nightly storytelling. Though the decision was out of his hands, Colbert made it clear he is proud of what they accomplished together.
What’s Next?
As of now, CBS has no plans to replace Colbert or reboot the franchise, signaling a potential shift in late-night strategy. With streaming reshaping viewer habits and budgets tightening across networks, The Late Show‘s farewell may mark the beginning of a new chapter in late-night TV.
