Stephen Colbert Announces the End of ‘The Late Show’ After a Decade on Air
After shaping the landscape of late-night television for 10 unforgettable seasons, Stephen Colbert revealed that The Late Show will wrap up in May 2026. The surprising announcement came during the July 17, 2025 taping at the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater in Los Angeles, leaving fans stunned and emotional.
Colbert Shares the News Straight from the Stage
Just before the show kicked off, Colbert addressed the audience with heartfelt honesty: “Next year will be our last season. CBS will be ending The Late Show in May.” The crowd’s boos filled the theater, a reaction Colbert met with understanding. He made it clear that the network isn’t planning a replacement host—the show itself is coming to a close.
Expressing deep appreciation, Colbert called CBS “great partners” and thanked the dedicated team of 200 staff members behind the scenes. Reflecting on his incredible journey hosting the show, he expressed excitement about making the most of the final season alongside his loyal crew.
A Legacy Built on Letterman’s Foundation
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert debuted on September 8, 2015, stepping into the massive shoes left by David Letterman, who had dominated late-night TV for more than two decades. With Letterman’s legendary tenure setting a high standard, CBS entrusted Colbert with creative freedom to redefine the show and introduce audiences to “the real Stephen Colbert”—moving beyond his sharp, satirical Comedy Central persona.
Colbert quickly made politics the heartbeat of the program, skillfully mixing incisive monologues with engaging celebrity interviews and standout musical performances. This fresh formula propelled him to lead the late-night ratings for nine straight seasons, carving out a commanding presence in an increasingly crowded and competitive media landscape.
Financial Realities Behind the Curtain
In a statement to People magazine, CBS made clear that the decision to end The Late Show was driven by financial considerations, not ratings or content issues. “This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” the network explained, highlighting the evolving economics of late-night television.
Colbert’s Ongoing Role at CBS
Though The Late Show is drawing to a close, Colbert’s influence at CBS remains strong. Since 2023, he has served as executive producer of After Midnight, a fresh late-night comedy game show hosted by Taylor Tomlinson and inspired by Comedy Central’s @midnight. Designed to engage younger, digital-savvy audiences, the show underscores Colbert’s continued impact on CBS’s late-night strategy—even as his flagship series prepares to sign off.