Stephen Colbert Shares When ‘The Late Show’ Will End
"The Late Show" to Conclude After Three Decades on Air
CBS’s late-night staple, The Late Show, will officially conclude its run in May 2026, marking the end of a 30-year era in late-night television. The departure date follows the announcement of the show’s cancellation last July.
The news emerged during an appearance by host Stephen Colbert on Late Night with Seth Meyers, which aired January 27 on NBC. Colbert confirmed the show’s fate, stating that CBS had decided to end The Late Show, which debuted in 1993.
CBS executives underscored that the decision was strictly "a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late-night" and affirmed that it was not tied to the show’s viewership, content, or any broader issues involving Paramount Global.
The abrupt cancellation came just days after Colbert criticized Paramount Global’s $16 million settlement in a lawsuit involving Donald Trump, calling it a “big fat bribe.” This was during a time when the television landscape was shifting, particularly following the merger between Skydance and Paramount.
Colbert has maintained his candid approach in the wake of the cancellation. On a recent episode, he expressed strong opinions about various political issues, including a remark on the recent killing of a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis, stating, “I think we can all agree: F*ck ICE.” He also took jabs at Trump’s newly launched “Board of Peace,” quipping about the exorbitant fee for membership.
Despite the show’s challenges, The Late Show has continued to receive accolades, winning the Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series in September. Colbert expressed gratitude to CBS for the opportunity to be part of the late-night tradition, hoping it will thrive beyond the show’s conclusion.
Looking ahead, Colbert is set to receive the Walter Bernstein Award from the Writers Guild of America East next month. The Late Show will also compete for another Emmy in September, contending against other late-night programs, including Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which has faced its own share of drama this year.
