Stephen Colbert’s Final Bow: CBS Ends ‘The Late Show’ Without a Successor

After over a decade behind the desk, Stephen Colbert is preparing for his last season on The Late Show. But this isn’t just another late-night shuffle—CBS has made it clear: the show itself is coming to an end. Permanently.

In a move that’s caught both fans and media insiders off guard, CBS announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude in May 2026. Not only is Colbert stepping down, but the network has decided not to continue the franchise at all—marking the end of an era for late-night television.

“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise,” CBS said in a statement released to Variety. “He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”

The statement also made it clear that this isn’t about performance. Colbert’s Late Show has consistently ranked among the most-watched late-night programs. CBS praised his run and emphasized the decision was driven purely by financial challenges—not ratings, content, or controversy.

A Sudden and Surprising Announcement

Colbert himself addressed the news directly with his audience at Thursday’s taping. Appearing visibly emotional, he shared what he had only just learned the night before.

“Next year will be our last season,” he told the crowd. “The network will be ending The Late Show in May. It’s not just the end of our show, it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.”

Colbert thanked CBS, referring to it as “the Tiffany Network,” and showed deep appreciation for the platform he’s had since 2015, when he took over from David Letterman.

“I’m so grateful to CBS for giving me this chair and this beautiful theater to call home,” he said. “And of course I’m grateful to you, the audience, who have joined us every night.”

Why Now?

Although the exact financial factors were not spelled out, industry watchers point to a rapidly changing media landscape. Traditional broadcast networks have been struggling to compete with streaming platforms, and CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, is currently undergoing a major merger with Skydance Media.

Late-night TV, once a powerhouse of cultural influence, has seen a steady decline in ratings as audiences migrate to on-demand formats and social media. Fewer viewers are tuning in live at 11:30 p.m. when they can catch clips online the next day—or not at all.

In this context, the decision to sunset the entire franchise rather than find a new host begins to make more sense. It signals not just the end of Colbert’s era, but a broader shift in how networks are adapting—or folding—under digital pressure.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

Stephen Colbert’s tenure on The Late Show has been anything but forgettable. From his sharp political monologues to heartfelt interviews, his version of the show combined wit, substance, and sincerity in a way that resonated deeply with viewers. He brought his unique voice and intellectual edge to the format, building a loyal audience that followed him from The Colbert Report to his new home at CBS.

Under his leadership, The Late Show became a cultural touchstone, especially during turbulent political times. Whether skewering the news or offering a moment of levity in difficult moments, Colbert’s voice became one of the most trusted in late-night.

The End of an Era

CBS’s move doesn’t just mark the end of one host’s run—it effectively closes the book on one of the most iconic slots in television history. Originally launched in 1993 with David Letterman, The Late Show was a cornerstone of late-night programming. Its end signifies a shift that fans have long feared: traditional late-night may be on the verge of extinction.

As networks recalibrate their strategies and audiences change how they consume content, fewer of these long-standing institutions are surviving the transition.

And so, in May 2026, Stephen Colbert will say his final goodnight—not just as a host, but as the last steward of a broadcast legacy that once ruled the night.

His fans still have one more season to enjoy what he brings to the table. And when the curtain falls, it won’t just be Colbert leaving the stage—it’ll be the lights going out on The Late Show forever.