**Stephen Colbert's The Late Show to Conclude in 2026 After 33-Year Run**
The beloved late-night program will come to an end as CBS faces financial pressures amid shifting television landscapes.
In a surprising announcement, CBS revealed that "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" will air its final episode in May 2026, concluding a remarkable 33-year legacy. The decision, described as financially motivated, has sparked concerns regarding its implications for late-night television amid declining viewership. During a taping of the show, Colbert expressed gratitude to both CBS and his audience, while acknowledging the overwhelming response of boos from viewers at the news of the cancellation. CBS emphasized that the ending was unrelated to the show's performance, marking a significant shift for the network, which will be without a late-night comedy program for the first time since 1993. This announcement follows recent legal settlements involving CBS and former President Donald Trump, raising questions about the possible connection between the two events. As networks struggle to capture younger audiences amid growing competition, the loss of Colbert's show marks a poignant moment in late-night broadcasting history, as both fans and fellow entertainers react with sorrow and disbelief at the program's impending conclusion.
The beloved late-night program will come to an end as CBS faces financial pressures amid shifting television landscapes.
In a surprising announcement, CBS revealed that "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" will air its final episode in May 2026, concluding a remarkable 33-year legacy. The decision, described as financially motivated, has sparked concerns regarding its implications for late-night television amid declining viewership. During a taping of the show, Colbert expressed gratitude to both CBS and his audience, while acknowledging the overwhelming response of boos from viewers at the news of the cancellation. CBS emphasized that the ending was unrelated to the show's performance, marking a significant shift for the network, which will be without a late-night comedy program for the first time since 1993. This announcement follows recent legal settlements involving CBS and former President Donald Trump, raising questions about the possible connection between the two events. As networks struggle to capture younger audiences amid growing competition, the loss of Colbert's show marks a poignant moment in late-night broadcasting history, as both fans and fellow entertainers react with sorrow and disbelief at the program's impending conclusion.