Colbert says The Late Show will end after 33 years

July 18, 2025

CBS has announced that "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" will end in May 2026 after a 33-year run, citing financial challenges in late-night television. The cancellation, which surprised both Colbert and his audience, marks the end of CBS's late-night comedy presence for the first time since 1993. CBS emphasized that the decision was not related to the show's performance or content, despite speculation about political motivations following Paramount's recent $16 million settlement with President Trump.

Who is affected

Stephen Colbert and the show's staff/production team
CBS television network
The Late Show's audience and viewers
Late-night television landscape as a whole
Celebrities, politicians, and guests who regularly appeared on the show

What action is being taken

CBS is ending "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in May 2026
The network is retiring "The Late Show" franchise entirely rather than replacing Colbert
CBS is making this change due to financial considerations amid challenges in late-night television
Fellow late-night hosts and celebrities are publicly responding to the news with support for Colbert

Why it matters

It ends a 33-year television franchise and leaves CBS without a late-night comedy talk show for the first time since 1993
The cancellation occurs amid financial pressures facing traditional television networks competing with streaming services and podcasts
The timing has raised questions from some U.S. senators about potential political motivations following Paramount's settlement with President Trump
The decision impacts the broader late-night television landscape where competitors ABC and NBC are continuing their late-night programming

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC