Stephen Colbert Says Goodbye as CBS Axes The Late Show After 10 Years
Hold onto your coffee mugs because this jittery aunt has breaking news that’s spicier than a double espresso. Stephen Colbert revealed on July 17 that CBS will end The Late Show in May 2026, drawing down the curtain on a franchise that began with David Letterman in 1993.
Colbert, who took over The Late Show in 2015, spoke directly to his audience in an Instagram clip, admitting he learned of the cancellation only a day before the announcement. He made it crystal clear that this is not a host swap but a full-blown shutdown: “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS,” he said. The 61-year-old comedian took a moment to thank viewers “who have joined us,” the nightly house band, and the 200-person crew responsible for churning out those electric monologues, celebrity interviews, and musical performances.
In true Colbert fashion, he transformed a depressing update into an optimistic send-off. He quipped that he’s “looking forward to doing this job with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months. It’s going to be fun.” Fans can still tune in for live humor, sharp political satire, and Colbert’s signature eyebrow raises until the finale in May 2026.
CBS executives George Cheeks, Amy Reisenbach, and David Stapf were equally frank in their joint statement. They explained that the decision is “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night” and insisted it has nothing to do with ratings, content, or issues at Paramount. The trio expressed admiration for Colbert and his team, calling the choice “agonizing” and emphasizing their “gratitude” as they prepare to celebrate the show’s final months.
The cancellation marks the end of a 33-year run for The Late Show brand on CBS. While Colbert’s era has been acclaimed—earning last week an Outstanding Talk Series Emmy nomination—the network is shifting strategy amid budget pressures and an ever-competitive late night landscape.
Colbert’s announcement sent shockwaves through social media, with fellow talk show hosts and celebrities weighing in on Twitter and Instagram. Memes popped up overnight honoring his memorable guests, standout sketches, and those unforgettable political jabs. Even CBS news programs paused to pay tribute to his tenure, underlining how The Late Show became a nightly must-see among late night loyalists.
Casting an eye to the larger TV ecosystem, CBS also revealed other lineup updates for the 2025 season. Netflix’s King of Collectibles and The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On both snagged renewals, while HGTV’s Flip Off returns for season two. Apple TV Plus ordered more of its thriller Murderbot, and Squid Game: The Challenge is locked in for seasons two and three. On the flip side, Christina on the Coast and The Flipping El Moussas are done at HGTV, and Netflix is wrapping its Emmy-winning makeover series after season ten.
As Colbert prepares for his final bow and CBS navigates cost cuts, viewers are left wondering who will fill the late night void and where Colbert lands next. Stay tuned for updates and maybe grab another cup of joe—you’ll want to be awake for what comes after this seismic shake-up. I swear, I could ramble on about this all day, but I need another sip of caffeine first!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, CBS
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
