CBS Confirms Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Will End in May 2026

Brace yourself because I am jittery just spilling everything out. CBS revealed on Thursday that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will wrap up following the May 2026 season finale, confirming months of backstage whispers in the late night community. The network’s official statement stressed this move is purely a financial decision amid a challenging backdrop for late night television and is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or any other matters with Paramount.

Since David Letterman handed over the desk in 2015, Colbert has infused political satire and pop culture commentary into that 11:35 p m slot, earning multiple Emmys and a loyal fan base for his signature monologues and high-profile interviews. But rising production costs and tightening ad budgets have made it harder for broadcast networks to justify big late-night price tags. CBS executives told Variety that cutting the late show helps free resources for scripted series and booming daytime franchises.

This marks the second late-night exit at CBS in recent months. After Midnight, hosted by comedian Taylor Tomlinson, was canceled despite plans for a third season when Tomlinson chose to focus on stand-up. Variety confirmed that Colbert shared the news with his live studio audience on Thursday, so tonight’s broadcast will be the first chance fans get to hear him riff on his own send-off.

Industry insiders say Colbert could pivot quickly, whether by exploring a morning talk show, expanding his Skyview Productions banner, or launching a podcast series. Some insiders even joke he might finally perfect his golf swing once he’s not chained to late-night tapings. As streaming platforms continue siphoning viewers and social media highlights offer instant hits, traditional late-night broadcasts face an uphill battle.

For viewers who have tuned in nightly for political roastings, heartfelt conversations, and viral skits, this confirmation is bittersweet. It underscores a shift in viewer habits and a broadcast environment where advertisers are more cautious with post-prime-time dollars. As CBS begins its search for a new 11:35 p m host, other networks are sure to take note and consider similar cost-cutting moves.

With Colbert planning to keep his trademark humor sharp between now and May 2026, fans can expect farewell jokes, reflective segments, and perhaps even surprise celebrity cameos during the countdown to his final episode. Keep those remotes close and your coffee cups full—late-night television is about to change, and we’ll be right here spilling every caffeinated detail. Phew that was a LOT to process and I definitely need to calm my nerves after this.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, Variety
Attribution: Scott Kowalchyk (Creative Commons)