Stephen Colbert Responds to CBS Axing The Late Show After a Decade
Stephen Colbert has addressed the surprising news that CBS will be concluding The Late Show in May 2026, marking the end of his decade-long run as a nightly fixture on the network. The decision, confirmed by CBS on July 17th, means the popular talk show will not be renewed beyond the upcoming season, and no new host will replace Colbert in the slot.
Paramount, the parent company of CBS, issued a statement clarifying the reasons behind the cancellation. They stated: “This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.” This suggests that despite the show’s popularity, economic factors in the late-night landscape played a decisive role.
Colbert himself spoke to the news during the July 17th episode, addressing both his live studio audience and viewers at home. “Before we start the show, I want to let you know something I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending The Late Show in May,” he announced.
He further elaborated in a separate video statement posted to social media, emphasizing the broader impact of the decision. “It’s not just the end of our show, it’s the end of ‘The Late Show’ on CBS,” Colbert explained. “I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.” He also expressed gratitude towards the network and his audience, stating, “I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners. I’m so grateful to the Tiffany Network for giving me this chair and this beautiful theater to call home. And of course I’m grateful to you, the audience, who have joined us every night.”
CBS’s move to discontinue The Late Show follows a turbulent period for late-night programming on the network. In 2023, James Corden departed The Late Late Show, which was subsequently replaced by After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson. However, Tomlinson also stepped away from her role after just 18 months to pursue other projects, leaving another vacated slot. The network’s decision to now end The Late Show entirely reflects a significant shift in its late-night strategy.
The news quickly drew reactions from Colbert’s peers. Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was quick to voice his support for Colbert on Instagram Stories, writing, “Love you Stephen. F*** you and all your Sheldons CBS.” This strong reaction from a fellow late-night host highlights the camaraderie within the industry and the impact of CBS’s decision.
The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is scheduled to air in May 2026, marking the end of an era for both the show and late-night television on CBS.
