Stephen Colbert has announced that The Late Show will end in May 2026, capping off a 10-year run that redefined late-night television.
Sharing the news during his July 17 taping, Colbert told viewers, “It’s not just the end of our show—it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS.” The network confirmed there are no plans to continue the show with a new host.
Despite topping late-night ratings for nine straight seasons, CBS cited financial challenges—not performance—as the reason behind the decision. Colbert thanked his 200-person staff and praised CBS as “great partners.”
Since its 2015 debut, Colbert’s version of The Late Show has stood out for its sharp political commentary and thoughtful interviews, becoming a major voice in American culture.
While fans expressed shock online, Colbert isn’t going far—he’ll continue working with CBS, including as a producer on the game show After Midnight, hosted by Taylor Tomlinson.
