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CBS has announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end in May 2026, bringing the show’s historic run—and the Late Show franchise itself—to a close.
“‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season,” the network said in a statement. “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire ‘The Late Show’ franchise at that time. 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 was issued jointly by George Cheeks (Co-CEO of Paramount Global and President and CEO of CBS), Amy Reisenbach (President of CBS Entertainment), and David Stapf (President of CBS Studios).
CBS emphasized that the decision was not related to performance or content: “This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
“Our admiration, affection, and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonizing decision even more difficult,” the statement continued. “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.”
CBS concluded: “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.”
Colbert addressed the show’s cancellation himself while taping tonight’s show. In his comments, he indicated that he had been informed of the networks’ decision to cancel the show Wednesday night.
In response to boos from the crowd, he added, “Yeah, 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.”
Here's how Stephen Colbert addresses the news of The Late Show's cancellation in tonight's cold open. (Full story: https://t.co/tmYOxRnnYe) pic.twitter.com/ype2dsE6Uy
— LateNighter (@latenightercom) July 17, 2025
CBS’s Late Show franchise has been a cornerstone of late-night television since its debut in 1993, when David Letterman made the historic leap from NBC to CBS. After losing out on The Tonight Show, Letterman launched Late Show with David Letterman from the newly renovated Ed Sullivan Theater, bringing with him his signature blend of absurdist humor, top 10 lists, and ironic detachment—and igniting a fierce rivalry with Jay Leno.
For over two decades, Letterman’s Late Show helped define modern late night. It was a platform for major cultural moments and was recognized with multiple Emmy Awards and Peabody honors. Letterman stepped down in 2015 after more than 6,000 episodes, cementing his legacy as one of television’s most influential hosts.
Stephen Colbert took the reins that fall, transforming The Late Show into a sharp, politically engaged program that ultimately rose to #1 in the ratings. Over nine seasons, Colbert has brought cutting commentary, high-profile interviews, and a blend of sincerity and satire that resonated deeply during a turbulent political era.
This is CBS’ corporate capitulation. Canning one of Trump’s strongest and most vocal critics is transparent and venal. We are in full-on fascism at this point, aided and abetted by legacy media.
you suffer from TDS🤪
You’re a pathetic, fascist punk.
TDS: An ongoing mental condition where a person’s absolute fealty to Donald Trump causes them to ignore and forget all the bad $hit he’s ever done or plans to do, abandoning all logic and reason in a paranoid frenzy to maintain some idea of white dominance and fascism.
a propagandist posing as a comedian
Calm down, your meds from CVS will be delivered soon
what the ??? Do you actually know ANYTHING at all about our government & the political system it was built on? first off, How tf are republicans “fascists”? Secondly, HOW HOW HOW is the government going to fire someone from their non-government job? How old are you? Do you know what type of political system we run here in the US? Were you dropped on your head when you were a child or up to 10 minutes ago? lol
‘Do you actually know ANYTHING at all about our government & the political system it was built on?’
As a matter of fact, I do. Just because I’m a computer scientist (yes, grad school too) didn’t stop me from taking GVPT and ECON classes in undergrad. That was back in the 70’s and 80’s, when you had to read books, microfilm/fiche, etc. to do real research. BTW, I worked on building the internet you’re using right now.
‘first off, How tf are republicans “fascists”?’
Oh, my sweet summer child. Both US and UK trained political scientists and historians (the ones with masters & doctorates, like me) have drawn multiple parallels between Trump and the current Republican lockstep in all three branches to Trump’s wishes to how Mussolini obtained his *fascist* consolidation of power. That and the fear of retaliation by Trump, which he does on a constant basis.
Who are these people who have drawn the parallels?
– Rachel Maddow has a DPhil from the University of Oxford in Political Science: which is how she’s written several historical and present-day books on Russia disinformation, the US military-industrial complex, and warned about the upcoming signs of US fascism in connection with Trump.
– Michael Beschloss has a BS in Political Science (Highest Honors) from Williams College and an MBA from Harvard, intending to write about the history of people in power, which he’s done for the US & UK on WW II, Korea, Vietnam, Watergate, the US/USSR Cold War, and the elections of all modern presidents during the last 60 years.
– Ruth Ben-Ghiat, PhD in History from Brandeis University, Thesis on Mussolini’s rise to power: Dr. Ben-Ghiat has stated that Trump’s actions directly mirror Mussolini’s in the 30’s.
‘Secondly, HOW HOW HOW is the government going to fire someone from their non-government job?’
That shows *your* ignorance. If you are a contractor or subcontractor on a government contract (or a contract funded with federal money such as infrastructure), you don’t work for the government. However, if the money paying for your contract is defunded, then often the company you work for (if they don’t have other contracts to place you on) will let you go. That is how someone who doesn’t work for the government gets fired from their non-government job.
Trump administration has threatened to revoke CBS license to broadcast, over content ( and made up crap about 60 minutes. Intimidation and control by government over content that criticizes the gov’t is facism. Wake up America- 1936 happening in front of our eyes.
Creeps, like yourself, are definitely “in full-on fascism”. You’re just not smart enough to realize that’s what you are.
Listen to you. Name calling because someone correctly pointed out you suffer from TDS; apparently it’s terminal by the sound of it.
TDS: An ongoing mental condition where a person’s absolute fealty to Donald Trump causes them to ignore and forget all the bad $hit he’s ever done or plans to do, abandoning all logic and reason in a paranoid frenzy to maintain some idea of white dominance and fascism.
He is only one of Trump’s vocal critics only because Trump was ending the pizza party and Colbert loves, loves, loves the pizza. The hunters have become the hunted. We are looking at you Colbert.
You need to grow up and act like a normal human — not just you — but all you liberals.
.
Every person like you I’ve met or seen is extremely unhappy/depressed in daily life and wants some kind of revolution. They also want conservatives hurt, in jail, and/or fined. It’s some fantasy that you guys think could happen and then life will be good. Truth is, you’ll always be unhappy until you embrace life, love, liberty, freedom, family….and quite possibly religion.
Hahahaha
Holy shit. This is not the news I expected to hear today. The moment I got the notification from CBS News, I immediately went over here. With CBS ending The Late Late Show in 2023, this means that CBS will no longer be apart of the Late Night universe whatsoever, and with Kimmel possibly retiring next year, this most likely leaves the Tonight Show as the last of the three major network late night shows.
That’s messed up! Get out of Trump’s a$$!!
A business based on advertising can’t afford to ridicule the majority of the country and expect to stay in business. Late Night stopped being entertaining and did little more than spew propaganda long time ago.
👍👍👍!!!
yes it can, highest rated show on late night…made them money…new owners are Trump bootlickers, they suffer from Trump’s Derangement Syndrome and believe Greg Gutfeld is a talent
Well said! Colbert was propaganda and unwatchable.
CBS still claims it’s the #1 late night show. You know who he made fun of when Biden was president? Biden! Who’s he poke jabs during the prior administration…Obama. He’s a political comedian who makes fun of everyone. It’s just that the current occupant of the White House created so much opportunity. The writers barely need to work.
Anyone who doesn’t believed this is just capitulation to the current administration in order to get approval for the Paramont merger, is deluding themselves.
Trump’s Biggest Win
A good one!
Not the biggest, but one of the most predictable.
He jumped the proverbial shark during CoVid when he danced with some syringes.
He can go back to Comedy Central and do voice overs for South Park
South Park doesn’t look like it will see the light of day on Comedy Central anytime soon.
🤣🤣🤣👋👋👋
hahaha long overdue this guy is as funny as herpes.
you would know
‘Not related to performance or content’, Sure.
haha
“This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night”
Like who?
They can’t sell advertising. broadcast tv is down to 20% of viewership. He’s a leftist lemming and never had been funny. I see the white flag going up. Haven’t spent a single minute on late night tv since Jay Leno quit. much rather watch reruns of Johnny Carson or Bonanza than any current “comedians ” cept maybe fluffy.
Fitting end to a horrible show. When Cobert is on I watch Johnny Carson reruns on a competing , obscure channel. Same time m-f. Infinitely more entertaining. President Trump WON!
I don’t believe for a second this is a financial decision….you obviously are bending to the Tangerine Mussolini! Shame on you CBS!
the only people who watched the show were brainwashed middle aged 12th grade educated women who kneel to satan
yes, there’s two million of them,,.,back to that genius gremlin Gutfeld, magat
You are so right. Ending my day with Colbert was a highlight, in the face of so much bad news. And contrary to some comments, I did graduate with honors from OSU!
There is a God.
i can promise you there isn’t. try not to cry about it. dirt naps for everyone.
You “promise”? Now that’s heavy…..worth it’s weight in gold.
I always thought he sucked. Never saw any appeal.
strong opinion. its going to make such a difference that you said how you felt. we hope you feel better now
Why are Colbert fans so reliably incapable of stringing together a coherent sentence? It’s like you have all been repeatedly dropped on your heads.
You should probably go get vaccinated again.
Indeed. Pompous and pretentious, and about as funny as a nuclear detonation. RIP (rot in peace).
Being political and one-sided at that, doesn’t bring in ratings. At least be funny if you’re gonna go that route. He couldn’t even do that.
It gives me great pleasure to say I’ve never watched a single Late Night with this pompous @ss. It was bad enough having to see the promos every night of everyone he could possibly get to push the progressive agenda. Maybe there’s hope for Late Night eventually.
Absolutely agree with you ! Well said !
Go back to watching Gutfeld you damn fascist
Why wait until May to take the garbage out?
Poor shocked staffers aren’t easily going to find a new media job in this climate and ad space probably already sold. Let the staff have a year to get LinkedIn-ready and find a new job.
whats the name of your show?
ha ha,
eftist lying losers
He always came across appearing he was the smug, smartest guy in the room. It worked on the CC show but his late night show was terrible. Alienated 50% of his potential viewers pandering to Democrats and liberals. The only plus spot was the amount of great work CBS did renovating that theatre. Hopefully, CBS will bring game shows back to that place. Probably a better use.
This is the funniest thing by far to come from the Late Show in years. Gutfeld can put another notch on his holster.
Colbert’s seven viewers were not available for comment.
No more of the lop-eared varmint? Good!
fuck this
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH …… he’s such anti-American propagandist.
Not soon enough. The only people that found him funny were Leftists . His show was a rehash of the fiction presented as News from CNN & MSNBC.
Wow the right is so scared about he’s fews on The Taco Bell man the worst President in my life time .
Huh?
Try again in English.
Scared??? Hardly, just amazed that his viewers were that stupid.
‘In my lifetime’…whats that now…about 15 years?
Not soon enough. What a pathetic establishment lap dog he is
you prefer bootlicking we know
……and a flaming anti-American goofball.
👍👍👍!!!
Wow unbelievable you agree go to hell asap
lol……that’s the best your brain can come up with? “Agree to go to hell”?
.
I swear you have to be in sixth grade…..tops.
CBS is bowing down to a Dictatorship the United States is under and they should be ashamed unbelievable the new ownership is definitely bow down to the Trump Dictatorship.
Is English your first language?
I’m wondering where these folks are coming from? So many “Colbert supporters” can’t even spell or form sentences.
.
Are these CCP? Chinese posters supporting the left?
good another arrogant liberal
gone from tv Liberals think they are so intellectual and superior
to everyone that isn’t liberal
you know 8 vaccines shot and still
wear masks. I love to laugh at them
There hero’s bean bag brain Biden and cackling Kamala
real pillars of intelligence
about time.
i’m going to throw up
Nobody will ever remember him in a good light. He most likely got lots of folks killed with his vaccine rhetoric/propaganda?
Why wait? Do it now.
This is the idiot who promoted the vaxx, and fully embraced hating Trump. Nothing he ever said was true. His entire show was devoted to pumping up Biden, even saying how sharp he was. He promoted that drunken idiot harris. But covering for the lies and abuses by the cdc during covid was the worst. We were forced to stay at home, while he and his political friends went out to parties, without masks. Congress didn’t get the shot, they could opt out.
good ridance to bad garbage. playing politics, hating 1/2 of the country, is a stupid and pathetic way to go.
Thank you. That was well-written.
.
Who is Stephen Colbert? I could care less if he gets cancelled. This is NOT newsworthy.
a country with morr Trump and Gutfeld and Epstein, and less Colbert and likely Stewart is a country in a really dark place
‘more’
Cry harder! 😂
Colbert has always seemed like he thought he was the smartest guy in the room, when in reality he was just a smarmy suck-up to his biggest advertisers.
No real comedy, just parroting left-wing talking points.
His biggest supporter was the laugh track.
He leaves a really big void, which is definitely an improvement.
Northwestern grad, so probably was the smartest guy in most rooms. Definitely would be in this group of magats.
He leaves a big void…that’s a definite improvement!
Smarmy suck-up, parroting left-wing talking points.
Why take so long? Cancel now.
hopefully he will tell the world that life is most important in life is the most important truth in life and that that truth is the truth that is to cure and prevention of all needless and preventable suffering and death and that once one is shared it they are required to share it going forward or they will lose their soul the moment they claim to represent life in contradiction .
A shit show hosted by a Dem political hack that should have been cancelled years ago
Cowards.
Are they cancelling Sixty Minutes next?
And for all of you rejoicing, go ahead.
I watch him on YouTube. CBS may find a lot of us do.
L O L
Wow…..now that’s a powerful statement. I bet he’s going to be HUGE!
.
Suppose he’ll pull in audiences similar to Tucker or Rogan? 🙂
Colbert is a tool
Good riddance.
Most useless loser on television. Loathsome sicko.
He sucks. Who is watching this crap? Apparently nobody.
Finally!!!! They are taking out the trash now that it’s not worth the price of plastic trash bags.
I’m just glad Dennis Perkins isn’t alive to see this.
Are we still going with the Putin “cock holster” story?
We are so disappointed that you CBS would do this. We find it hard to believe that this doesn’t have something to do with Trump!!!
Sure….CBS walked away from the show’s healthy profit to placate who you and even CBS would probably call a fascist?
.
That’s only logical to minds that don’t think.
You not Stewart, and just a hack off shoot
Colbert helped me and millions of others live through the first trump fiasco. I was counting on him doing the same through the next 4 years. I’m guessing this was a concession to trump in the disastrous bribe payment to him. We have watched CBS almost exclusively. No more. Compilation to a dictator doesn’t sit well with me. Surely Colbert with find another platform. We need him!!!
I’ve never seen his show, now I guess I never will.
It’s now called the Cowardly Broadcast System It a Financial Decision because someone agreed to pay 16 million dollars to their bronzed god. You know Jon Stewart is next. No more truth to power allowed because every one is scared of the consequences. I’m sure the Democrats are putting together a Firm Letter as this moment. Cowards….
Just pull the plug on him now as he spews his turd souffle’ schumer written monologues. Too funny, one more useless idiot BUH BYE, your c*ck holster schumer can’t save you. Ok call me a fascist?. Look how these losers are soooo mad calling us fascists. Haaaaa haaaaaaaa! GOTT mit UNS!!
Dennis is quite the mewling stooge, It should probably look up the word fascist
Now we need to get rid of Kimmel
I find it hilarious that rather than return to a format which is entertaining and funny, you know, like it was for decades before Colbert got there, they would rather shut the entire show down.
Ben seems to not have a lot going on, maybe try going to church to find your soul!
Yeah, right!
Colbert and Kimmel killed late night tv.
What a shame. Carson and Letterman created the great American institution.
Thankfully Greg Gutfeld can keep the tradition living!
VERY glad to see the Late Show being eliminated. Colbert ruined something that has been in existence since 1993 by turning what was historically entertainment and comedy into a personal political platform. Executives can say what they want publicly, however it’s been ill-advised, selfish, divisive and just plain not smart. Good riddance!
Before people start crying boo-hoo, as a reminder: this is what we voted for. Zero chance the bs $16M fine for the ‘manipulated interview’ didn’t directly impact this.
We deserve the consequences.
CBS kissing the arse of their favorite left wing radical, as they fire him because less and less people are interested in hearing in his ‘all conservatives bad…all liberals good’ rhetoric. Hopefully in a couple years he will be on a street corner in some sanctuary city holding a sign that says ‘will hate Trump for food’.
TV is different now. Old school TV success is gone. There is competition on a scale never seen before. The cost of producing a program is oppressive. So, change is the norm now. Chasing hot trends and gambling on breakout ventures is the way the game is played.
Hahahaha hahahaha hahahaha
Good riddance
Indeed. Pompous and pretentious, and about as funny as a nuclear detonation. RIP (rot in peace).
Trump told CBS to fire him so they did.
Both of them are horrible hosts, and insult the majority of opinions nightly. they are supposed to be comedic hosts, they are arrogant pseudo political scientists. Bring back Johnny Carson.
It doesnt make sense Th show is not expensive It looks like a capitulation to Donald Trump