In a landmark decision, CBS has confirmed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude in May 2026, marking the end of late-night TV on the network after more than thirty years. This unexpected statement, delivered on Thursday, emphasizes that the cancellation is purely financial and unrelated to the show’s content or performance. The news follows a recent settlement between CBS's parent company, Paramount, and Donald Trump, raising eyebrows around the timing of this major shift.
**The End of an Era: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to Conclude in May 2026**
**The End of an Era: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to Conclude in May 2026**
CBS announces the surprising cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, citing financial reasons amid a challenging late-night landscape.
Host Stephen Colbert revealed the news during his Thursday taping, eliciting boos from a stunned audience. “I want to thank the folks at CBS, and of course, I'm grateful to you, the audience,” Colbert stated, reflecting the sentiment in the room. The Late Show, which first premiered in 1993 amidst a rivalry for late-night dominance, will end shortly after its creator, Mark Colbert, took over from David Letterman in 2015.
The decision comes during ongoing talks of a merger between Paramount and Skydance Media that would need approval from US regulators. Additionally, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff raised concerns about potential political motivations behind the cancellation following Trump’s lawsuit against CBS regarding the editing of an interview with Kamala Harris.
Colbert, known for his sharp critique of Trump and a host of democratic figures, participated in popular political discourse, fostering both humor and discussion on pressing issues. CBS acknowledged Colbert’s impact, asserting he is "irreplaceable" and that the program would retire the franchise entirely.
While CBS prepares to close its late-night chapter, competitors NBC and ABC will continue to air their respective shows, with hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers extending their contracts until 2028. For now, The Late Show prepares to bid farewell after years of showcasing comedic commentary on American politics and culture.
The decision comes during ongoing talks of a merger between Paramount and Skydance Media that would need approval from US regulators. Additionally, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff raised concerns about potential political motivations behind the cancellation following Trump’s lawsuit against CBS regarding the editing of an interview with Kamala Harris.
Colbert, known for his sharp critique of Trump and a host of democratic figures, participated in popular political discourse, fostering both humor and discussion on pressing issues. CBS acknowledged Colbert’s impact, asserting he is "irreplaceable" and that the program would retire the franchise entirely.
While CBS prepares to close its late-night chapter, competitors NBC and ABC will continue to air their respective shows, with hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers extending their contracts until 2028. For now, The Late Show prepares to bid farewell after years of showcasing comedic commentary on American politics and culture.
