CBS announces Stephen Colbert The Late Show to conclude May 2026

Freedom to Laugh: CBS’s Late Show to Wrap Up in May 2026

After months of late‑night banter, CBS confirmed that Stephen Colbert’s long‑running block will end next May. The decision was framed as a financial move, not a reflection on Colbert’s performance or CBS’s parent company, Paramount.

Key Details

• Last season slated for 2026; final episode scheduled for May.
• CBS “purely a financial decision” amid a tough late‑night market.
• Cancellation unrelated to the show’s ratings or content.

Colbert’s Reaction

During a Thursday episode, Colbert announced the wrap‑up, darkening the studio and provoking boos. “This is all just going away,” he told viewers, hinting that the network will be losing the legacy franchise that has aired on CBS since 1993.

Political Sparks

Colbert had just criticized Paramount’s $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump, a deal that some critics called “a big fat bribe.” The timing—just three days after the teasing—fueled speculation that political motives might be in play.

Senatorial Voices

• Sen. Elizabeth Warren accused CBS of canceling the show for “political reasons” and demanded transparency.
• Sen. Adam Schiff echoed Warren, calling for public disclosure of the underlying reasons.

Industry Fallout

Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” publicly expressed support for Colbert, saying, “Love you Stephen.”

Background of the Late‑Night Landscape

The late‑night arena has historically revolved around satirical comedy that blends humor with sharp political commentary. Dominant shows such as “The Tonight Show,” “The Late Show,” and “Late Night” have shaped public discourse through comedians like Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman, and more recently Colbert and Jimmy Fallon.

Partnership with Paramount

Paramount’s recent $16 million settlement with Trump follows a lawsuit Trump filed for $20 billion last year. Trump alleged that “60 Minutes” de‑edited an interview with his 2024 election rival, Kamala Harris, in her favor. Paramount also seeks to close its $8 billion merger with Skydance, pending federal approval.

Legacy Note

Colbert, who succeeded David Letterman in 2015, had previously gained popularity on Comedy Central alongside Jon Stewart. Colbert’s “The Late Show” has been a touchstone for late‑night television, and the network acknowledges that he will be remembered “in the pantheon of greats that graced late‑night television.”

Summary

CBS’s termination of “The Late Show” will close a 33‑year era of late‑night satire, leaving the public to remember the hosts who have shaped humor, celebrity interviews, and political commentary from the days of Carson and Leno to the present flavors of Colbert and Fallon.