CBS has confirmed that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will conclude its historic run in May 2026, marking the end of a successful 11-year tenure. The decision was made due to financial constraints, with CBS describing it as a “purely financial decision” amidst a challenging backdrop in late-night television. Stephen Colbert broke the news to his audience during a taping, expressing his disappointment and sharing their feelings about the show’s impending end. The audience responded with boos and shouts of disbelief, underscoring the show’s popularity and impact.
The network has stated that it considers Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire the “Late Show” franchise at the end of the broadcast season. Colbert’s departure has sparked speculation about potential motivations behind the decision, particularly given the timing of the announcement following CBS’s $16 million settlement with Donald Trump. However, CBS maintains that the decision was based solely on financial considerations, citing declining advertising revenue for the late-night TV sector, which fell from $800 million in 2014 to just $42 million in 2022.
The show’s conclusion will mark the end of an era in late-night television, with Colbert and his team leaving a lasting legacy. Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, it’s clear that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” has been a significant part of American television, and its impact will be remembered for years to come. CBS’s statement emphasized that the decision is not related to the show’s performance or content, but rather a strategic move to address financial challenges.
