CBS announced that “The Late Show” with Stephen Colbert will end in May 2026, concluding its current broadcast season. The network described the cancellation as a “purely financial decision.” Colbert, who has been hosting the show since 2015, shared his feelings with the audience after revealing the news. He emphasized that this is not just an end to his tenure on the program but also the final broadcast of “The Late Show” itself.
Colbert’s departure comes amid a tumultuous period for CBS News. The network faced criticism for its $16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a lawsuit alleging harm to Trump’s electoral chances during last year’s presidential campaign. This decision was seen as a response to Paramount’s pending $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, which requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission.
Colbert had previously called out CBS parent company Paramount for its deal with Trump, labeling it a “big fat bribe.” The settlement and subsequent departures of top executives, including Bill Owens and Wendy McMahon, have led some to speculate that the show was canceled due to political considerations. Senator Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren have expressed their concerns on social media.
Fans and industry professionals have taken to social media to express their appreciation for Colbert’s work on “The Late Show.” The show has been a ratings success, with over 2.417 million viewers across its new episodes this year, according to Nielsen ratings.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2025/07/17/stephen-colbert-canceled-late-show-ending