Stephen Colbert shared this surprising news during a live taping, provoking an emotional response from the audience. He expressed gratitude towards the network and fans, highlighting the show's legacy since its inception in 1993. The program, which has become known for its political satire, particularly against former President Trump, is now positioned to close its doors permanently after more than three decades.

The decision emerges after CBS's parent company, Paramount, reached a lawsuit settlement with Trump, which has sparked discussions about potential political influences on network operations. Critics, including Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, have voiced concerns regarding the motives behind the show's cancellation, suggesting it may be interconnected with the recent settlement.

As CBS faces a shifting landscape in entertainment, where late-night talk shows struggle to capture younger audiences, rival networks including ABC and NBC will continue their late-night programming, highlighting the pivotal changes within the genre. CBS stated, "We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable," as they head towards a new chapter in late-night television history, honoring Colbert's significant contributions to the format.