In a sudden announcement, CBS has confirmed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude its run in May 2026. This decision, touted as a financial strategy amidst the challenging landscape of late-night programming, has stunned fans and the entertainment industry. CBS emphasized that this move is purely a financial one and does not stem from the show’s performance or content.
**The End of an Era: CBS Announces the Conclusion of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert**

**The End of an Era: CBS Announces the Conclusion of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert**
CBS reveals shocking decision to conclude The Late Show in May 2026, marking a significant change for late-night television.
Host Stephen Colbert delivered the news during a taping, where he expressed gratitude towards both CBS and the audience for their unwavering support. The announcement arrives shortly after a lawsuit settlement with former President Donald Trump related to a contentious CBS interview.
The Late Show debuted in 1993 as a competitor to NBC's established programs and has evolved under Colbert’s helm since he took over from David Letterman in 2015. Known for his critique of Trump and political commentary, Colbert's departure represents not only a programming shift but also the end of CBS's late-night comedy era that has persisted for over three decades.
As the network grapples with declines in viewership, particularly among younger audiences, Colbert’s exit leaves CBS without any late-night show for the first time since 1993. Rival networks ABC and NBC continue to maintain their late-night slots, with existing contracts for their hosts extending for several more years.
Political reactions have emerged, with some questioning whether CBS’ decision was influenced by recent legal challenges involving Trump, as they settled a $16 million lawsuit. Amidst mergers and a shifting landscape in television, CBS announced it will retire The Late Show franchise, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and political commentary that has shaped late-night television for years.
In these times of transformation, CBS reflects on the indelible mark Colbert has made in the world of entertainment and the significant changes that lie ahead for viewers and the network alike.
The Late Show debuted in 1993 as a competitor to NBC's established programs and has evolved under Colbert’s helm since he took over from David Letterman in 2015. Known for his critique of Trump and political commentary, Colbert's departure represents not only a programming shift but also the end of CBS's late-night comedy era that has persisted for over three decades.
As the network grapples with declines in viewership, particularly among younger audiences, Colbert’s exit leaves CBS without any late-night show for the first time since 1993. Rival networks ABC and NBC continue to maintain their late-night slots, with existing contracts for their hosts extending for several more years.
Political reactions have emerged, with some questioning whether CBS’ decision was influenced by recent legal challenges involving Trump, as they settled a $16 million lawsuit. Amidst mergers and a shifting landscape in television, CBS announced it will retire The Late Show franchise, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and political commentary that has shaped late-night television for years.
In these times of transformation, CBS reflects on the indelible mark Colbert has made in the world of entertainment and the significant changes that lie ahead for viewers and the network alike.