Edith Hejberg
“This has nothing to do with the show’s performance or content.”
CBS has announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will come to an end in May 2026. Alongside the farewell to Colbert, the network will also retire the entire Late Show franchise — marking the end of a late-night legacy that’s spanned decades. The decision, according to CBS, is driven solely by financial pressures.
“Irreplaceable”: CBS Bids Colbert a Respectful Farewell
In its official statement, CBS made it clear the decision wasn’t about ratings or controversy. “Stephen Colbert is irreplaceable,” the network stated.
“This has nothing to do with the show’s performance or content.” Instead, CBS cited tough market conditions in the late-night space as the reason behind the cut.
A Personal Goodbye from Colbert to His Audience
Colbert broke the news to his studio audience during Thursday’s taping, revealing he’d only learned the night before.
The crowd erupted in disappointment, responding with shouts of “No!” and boos. “Yeah, I share your feelings,” Colbert replied solemnly.
No Successor, No Franchise: A Total Closure
“This isn’t just the end of our show,” Colbert said. “It’s the end of The Late Show on CBS.” Unlike past transitions, such as Colbert taking the reins from David Letterman, the network isn’t planning to hand the format to a new host, the show is simply ending.
Gratitude All Around: From CBS to the Crew
Colbert took time to thank his band, his team of 200 staffers, and CBS for giving him the platform and the theater to call home for nearly a decade. “It’s a fantastic job,” he said, “and I’m thrilled to keep doing it for the next 10 months.”
A Decade in the Chair: From Comedy Central to CBS
Colbert took over The Late Show in 2015 after a successful run hosting The Colbert Report on Comedy Central. Over the past nine years, he turned CBS into a late-night powerhouse, consistently topping ratings across the board.
CBS: A Difficult But Necessary Decision
“The show has been No. 1 in late night for nine straight seasons,” CBS noted, calling the choice to end it “agonizing.” The network praised Colbert’s unmatched talent and said it looks forward to celebrating him and the show during its final stretch.
Political Undertones Stir Controversy
While CBS denies any political motivation, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff raised eyebrows by suggesting otherwise. On social media, he wrote, “If Paramount and CBS ended The Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better.”
Colbert’s Outspokenness a Possible Factor?
Colbert has never shied away from political commentary, often criticizing former President Donald Trump. Recently, he called out Paramount for settling a $16 million lawsuit filed by Trump over an edited 60 Minutes interview — a lawsuit the company insists had no merit.
Paramount’s Bigger Picture: A Merger on the Horizon
Behind the scenes, Paramount is seeking federal approval for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. Some speculate the decision to streamline late-night programming is connected to broader cost-cutting and strategic moves tied to the deal.
Fans Get 10 More Months of Colbert’s “Gang of Idiots”
Despite the news, Colbert remains committed to finishing strong. “I’m looking forward to doing this with my usual gang of idiots for another 10 months,” he said, ending his announcement on a hopeful, bittersweet note.
