In a stunning turn of events, CBS has announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will be coming to an end in May 2026, a decision that has left fans and the television industry in shock.
Breaking News: CBS to End the Late Show Franchise in 2026
In a surprising announcement on Thursday, CBS and Late Show host Stephen Colbert revealed that the show will conclude in May 2026.
Details of the Announcement
Colbert shared the news with the live audience during the taping at the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York. CBS stated that the cancellation is a “purely financial decision” amid a declining linear TV landscape.
The Impact of the Cancellation
The end of The Late Show at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season will mark the first time CBS will be without a late-night presence since 1993, when David Letterman transitioned from NBC to launch The Late Show. Colbert took over the show in 2015 and has consistently led ratings among the network’s 11:35 p.m. offerings.
Context of the Decision
This announcement coincides with CBS’ parent company, Paramount Global, aiming to finalize a merger with Skydance in the coming months. Recently, the company settled a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump concerning a 60 Minutes interview. This settlement is perceived to enhance the merger’s approval chances by the FCC under the Trump administration, a topic Colbert criticized upon his return from hiatus earlier this week. CBS clarified that this was not a factor in their decision.
Statements from CBS Leadership
“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will end its historic run in May 2026,” stated Paramount co-CEO and CBS president George Cheeks, along with CBS Entertainment head Amy Reisenbach and CBS Studios president David Stapf. “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home.”
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“This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related to the show’s performance or other matters at Paramount,” they added.
Colbert expressed his gratitude to CBS and the audience, stating, “I’m extraordinarily grateful to the 200 people who work here.”
Future of Late-Night Television
Looking ahead, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! will begin its final season of the current three-year deal this fall, while NBC late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers have signed contracts to continue hosting The Tonight Show and Late Night through 2028.
