The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will officially come to an end in May 2026.
“Before we start the show I want to let you know something that I found out just last night,” host Stephen Colbert, 61, shared during the Thursday, July 17, episode taping and shared via Instagram. “Next year will be our last season, the network [CBS] will be ending The Late Show in May.”
To an audience reaction of loud boos, Colbert continued, “I share your feelings. It’s not just the end of our show but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away. I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners … And I’m grateful to the audience, you, who have joined us every night, in here, out there, and all around the world.”
Colbert also thanked his band and the 200 crew members that have worked alongside of him. “We get to do this show for each other everyday all day,” he continued, adding that he wishes “somebody else” would get it after his departure.
Co-CEO of Paramount Global and President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS George Cheeks, President of CBS Entertainment Amy Reisenbach and President of CBS Studios David Staph addressed the cancellations in a statement on Thursday.
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season. We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time,” the statement read. “We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”
The statement noted that the decision was purely a “financial” one and is not “related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
The statement continued, “Our admiration, affection, and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonizing decision even more difficult. Stephen has taken CBS late night by storm with cutting-edge comedy, a must-watch monologue and interviews with leaders in entertainment, politics, news and newsmakers across all areas. The show has been #1 in late night for nine straight seasons; Stephen’s comedy resonates daily across digital and social media; and the broadcast is a staple of the nation’s zeitgeist. The accomplishments of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert are memorable and significant in performance, quality and stature. With much gratitude, we look forward to honoring Stephen and celebrating the show over the next 10 months alongside its millions of fans and viewers.”
