The termination of Colbert’s Late Show heralds the end of a significant era in late-night television, prompting questions about the future of late-night formats on CBS.
**The Curtain Falls: Colbert's Late Show to Conclude in 2026**
**The Curtain Falls: Colbert's Late Show to Conclude in 2026**
CBS announces the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after 33 remarkable years, citing financial challenges.
In an unexpected announcement, CBS confirmed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air its final episode in May 2026 after an impressive 33-year run. The network stated that the decision was purely financial and does not reflect the show's performance, content, or any other issues. Stephen Colbert delivered the news during a taping on Thursday, eliciting boos from the studio audience.
Colbert expressed his gratitude toward CBS and his audience, acknowledging their support over the years. “I share your feeling,” Colbert said as viewers reacted with disappointment. The cancellation marks the first time since 1993 that CBS will not have a late-night comedy talk show.
Colbert has been serving as the host since he took over from David Letterman in 2015 and has gained recognition for his pointed critiques of former President Donald Trump. He shared that he learned about the cancellation decision the night prior and described the program as a magnificent job that would not be replaced.
The announcement coincides with CBS's ongoing discussions about a potential merger between its parent company, Paramount, and Skydance Media, which will require federal approval. Senator Adam Schiff, who had just recorded an interview with Colbert, questioned potential political motivations behind the cancellation, referencing a recent financial settlement between CBS and Trump. Fellow Senator Elizabeth Warren echoed these sentiments.
The Late Show was launched in 1993 to compete against NBC's successful late-night roster. Before his tenure on The Late Show, Colbert hosted "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central, which mocked conservative politics and culture.
As CBS prepares to say farewell to The Late Show, other networks will continue their late-night programming. Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC and NBC's The Tonight Show and Late Night, hosted by Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, respectively, will remain on the air, ensuring the late-night landscape retains some familiar faces.
In response to the news, Jimmy Kimmel extended his support to Colbert, albeit with a jab at CBS. Former Late Show band leader Jon Batiste praised Colbert, and other celebrities expressed their sadness and admiration online. As Colbert gears up for the final months of his show, conversations around the future of late-night television continue amid evolving media landscapes.
Colbert expressed his gratitude toward CBS and his audience, acknowledging their support over the years. “I share your feeling,” Colbert said as viewers reacted with disappointment. The cancellation marks the first time since 1993 that CBS will not have a late-night comedy talk show.
Colbert has been serving as the host since he took over from David Letterman in 2015 and has gained recognition for his pointed critiques of former President Donald Trump. He shared that he learned about the cancellation decision the night prior and described the program as a magnificent job that would not be replaced.
The announcement coincides with CBS's ongoing discussions about a potential merger between its parent company, Paramount, and Skydance Media, which will require federal approval. Senator Adam Schiff, who had just recorded an interview with Colbert, questioned potential political motivations behind the cancellation, referencing a recent financial settlement between CBS and Trump. Fellow Senator Elizabeth Warren echoed these sentiments.
The Late Show was launched in 1993 to compete against NBC's successful late-night roster. Before his tenure on The Late Show, Colbert hosted "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central, which mocked conservative politics and culture.
As CBS prepares to say farewell to The Late Show, other networks will continue their late-night programming. Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC and NBC's The Tonight Show and Late Night, hosted by Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, respectively, will remain on the air, ensuring the late-night landscape retains some familiar faces.
In response to the news, Jimmy Kimmel extended his support to Colbert, albeit with a jab at CBS. Former Late Show band leader Jon Batiste praised Colbert, and other celebrities expressed their sadness and admiration online. As Colbert gears up for the final months of his show, conversations around the future of late-night television continue amid evolving media landscapes.
