The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a mainstay of late-night television since its inception in 1993, is set to conclude in May 2026 after an impressive 33 years on air. CBS announced the cancellation in a surprising statement on Thursday, attributing the decision solely to financial considerations amid ongoing challenges in late-night programming. This marks a notable moment as it will be the first time since 1993 that CBS will lack a late-night comedy talk show.
Colbert, who took over the show from David Letterman in 2015, expressed his gratitude to CBS and the audience during the announcement made at a recent taping. The revelation prompted a wave of disapproval from the live audience, highlighting the show's deep connection with its viewers. "It is a fantastic job. I wish somebody else was getting it," Colbert shared, lamenting the end of an era while emphasizing its significance.
The closure arrives shortly after CBS's parent company faced scrutiny for a $16 million settlement with Donald Trump regarding a lawsuit stemming from an interview featuring Kamala Harris. Several politicians, including Senator Adam Schiff and Senator Elizabeth Warren, have questioned if the cancellation of the show had political motivations tied to this financial settlement, with Schiff calling for transparency.
For more than three decades, The Late Show has provided a platform for a range of political voices, often skewering right-wing ideologies. Colbert, known for his sharp wit and critical commentary on various political figures, has hosted numerous notable guests over his tenure, reinforcing the show's role as a fixture in the cultural landscape of late-night television.
Despite the impending end of The Late Show, competing networks ABC and NBC will continue their late-night offerings, with hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers extending their contracts into 2028. The shifting television landscape reflects a broader trend where traditional late-night shows are grappling with decreasing viewership in the face of an expanding array of online entertainment options.
In the wake of the cancellation news, Colbert’s peers have voiced their support, with many industry figures expressing sorrow over the show's end. As the countdown to May 2026 begins, Colbert's legacy in late-night television raises questions about the future of comedy and satire in an ever-evolving media environment.
Colbert, who took over the show from David Letterman in 2015, expressed his gratitude to CBS and the audience during the announcement made at a recent taping. The revelation prompted a wave of disapproval from the live audience, highlighting the show's deep connection with its viewers. "It is a fantastic job. I wish somebody else was getting it," Colbert shared, lamenting the end of an era while emphasizing its significance.
The closure arrives shortly after CBS's parent company faced scrutiny for a $16 million settlement with Donald Trump regarding a lawsuit stemming from an interview featuring Kamala Harris. Several politicians, including Senator Adam Schiff and Senator Elizabeth Warren, have questioned if the cancellation of the show had political motivations tied to this financial settlement, with Schiff calling for transparency.
For more than three decades, The Late Show has provided a platform for a range of political voices, often skewering right-wing ideologies. Colbert, known for his sharp wit and critical commentary on various political figures, has hosted numerous notable guests over his tenure, reinforcing the show's role as a fixture in the cultural landscape of late-night television.
Despite the impending end of The Late Show, competing networks ABC and NBC will continue their late-night offerings, with hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers extending their contracts into 2028. The shifting television landscape reflects a broader trend where traditional late-night shows are grappling with decreasing viewership in the face of an expanding array of online entertainment options.
In the wake of the cancellation news, Colbert’s peers have voiced their support, with many industry figures expressing sorrow over the show's end. As the countdown to May 2026 begins, Colbert's legacy in late-night television raises questions about the future of comedy and satire in an ever-evolving media environment.
