Kaylah Walton
In a noteworthy decision, CBS has revealed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude in May 2026, signaling a complete withdrawal of the network from the late-night television scene. The popular show, which currently leads its timeslot, will not have a successor, indicating a significant shift for both CBS and the late-night landscape.
The network pointed to financial challenges and an evolving media environment as factors in this choice. CBS stated, “This is strictly a fiscal decision in light of the difficult late-night climate. It is not about the show’s success or content.”
Advertising revenue in the late-night sector has seen a steep decline, and insiders have confirmed that The Late Show is currently operating at a loss.
This news has led to speculation, particularly given the timing. The announcement comes shortly after Paramount, the parent company of CBS, resolved a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump concerning a CBS News report.
Colbert, known for his frequent critiques of Trump, denounced the settlement on his show, describing it as a “big fat bribe,” which has fueled suspicions that political factors may have influenced the network’s decision.
Heartfelt goodbye from Colbert; reactions from peers and fans
Colbert shared the cancellation with his live audience during a recording, explaining that he had just been informed the previous night. The audience reacted with shock and dismay as Colbert announced, “Next year will be our final season. This marks the end of The Late Show on CBS.”
Clearly emotional, he expressed gratitude toward CBS, his team, and the viewers who have backed the show since its inception in 2015.
Fellow comedian and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel criticized the network’s choice, labeling it “outrageous,” while Senator Adam Schiff, a guest on the night Colbert made the announcement, called for openness, suggesting that if politics influenced the cancellation, “the public has a right to know.”
Colbert took over from David Letterman in 2015, quickly attracting a dedicated viewer base by mixing humor with sharp political insights. His rendition of the show dominated late-night viewership for nearly a decade.
Despite this success, the broader restructuring at Paramount—including recent layoffs and an impending merger with Skydance Media—has made the show a victim of corporate changes.
CBS had previously canceled The Late Late Show with James Corden in 2023 and recently closed its successor, After Midnight. With Colbert’s show concluding in 2026 and no new show on the horizon, CBS will be the first major U.S. network to withdraw from late-night programming entirely.
Fans and commentators are left pondering whether this is merely a corporate decision or if there are deeper implications?
