CBS has announced it will end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026, concluding a decade-long run. Colbert broke the news to his audience during a taping on July 17, 2025, revealing that the network would not continue the franchise with a new host. Colbert expressed deep gratitude to CBS and his 200-member team, saying, “We get to do this show for each other every day, all day.”

Despite strong ratings—the show led late-night programming for nine straight seasons—CBS cited financial challenges as the reason behind the decision, not performance or content. Premiering in 2015 after David Letterman’s retirement, Colbert brought a politically sharp tone to late-night television, moving away from his satirical Colbert Report persona.

The show became a ratings powerhouse and a key platform for political commentary, celebrity interviews, and entertainment. Fans reacted with shock and disappointment, questioning why a top-rated show would be canceled. The move highlights shifting viewer habits, rising production costs, and increased competition from streaming.

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Though The Late Show is ending, Colbert will continue his creative work with CBS, including producing After Midnight, a game show hosted by Taylor Tomlinson aimed at younger audiences.