CBS Ends ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’

Stephen Colbert will soon sign off from late night for good. During the July 17 taping of “The Late Show”, the longtime host revealed to his studio audience that CBS will officially end the series in May 2026. The announcement also marks the conclusion of “The Late Show” franchise, which began in 1993 with David Letterman.

“Before we start the show, I want to let you know something that I found out just last night,” Colbert said. “Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending The Late Show in May.”

The crowd reacted with boos and audible disappointment. “Yeah, I share your feelings,” he responded. “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.”

Colbert went on to thank CBS, his crew, and viewers around the world. “I’m grateful to you, the audience, who have joined us every night, in here, out there, all around the world… I’m extraordinarily, deeply grateful to the 200 people who work here,” he said. “It is a fantastic job. I wish somebody else was getting it, and it’s a job that I’m looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months.”

CBS Cites Financial Challenges, Not Ratings

CBS confirmed the show’s ending in a joint statement on July 17, citing the move as a business decision amid broader late-night industry shifts.

“This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” said George Cheeks, president of CBS and co-chief executive of Paramount, along with CBS executives Amy Reisenbach and David Stapf. “It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”

Colbert Will Not Be Replaced, Says CBS

CBS made it clear that the “Late Show” franchise is coming to a full stop — not just passing to a new host, according to reports. “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time,” the network said in a joint statement. “He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”

The network also highlighted Colbert’s success, noting the show has remained #1 in late-night ratings for nine consecutive seasons. “With much gratitude, we look forward to honoring Stephen and celebrating the show over the next 10 months alongside its millions of fans and viewers,” CBS added.

Colbert first took over the franchise in 2015, succeeding David Letterman after his retirement. Prior to that, he gained national fame as host of “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central.

This is a developing story.

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