CBS has announced it will end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026, concluding a decade-long run. Colbert broke the news to his audience during a taping on July 17, 2025, revealing that the network would not continue the franchise with a new host. Colbert expressed deep gratitude to CBS and his 200-member team, saying, “We get to do this show for each other every day, all day.”

Despite strong ratings—the show led late-night programming for nine straight seasons—CBS cited financial challenges as the reason behind the decision, not performance or content. Premiering in 2015 after David Letterman’s retirement, Colbert brought a politically sharp tone to late-night television, moving away from his satirical Colbert Report persona.

The show became a ratings powerhouse and a key platform for political commentary, celebrity interviews, and entertainment. Fans reacted with shock and disappointment, questioning why a top-rated show would be canceled. The move highlights shifting viewer habits, rising production costs, and increased competition from streaming.

Though The Late Show is ending, Colbert will continue his creative work with CBS, including producing After Midnight, a game show hosted by Taylor Tomlinson aimed at younger audiences.