Stephen Colbert’s Show to End Its Run Next Thursday

CBS has announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude its run in May 2026. The decision also includes the retirement of the The Late Show franchise entirely, marking the end of one of the most enduring institutions in late-night television.

Financial Decisions and Network Statement

The network characterized the move as purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. In an official statement released on May 14, 2026, CBS clarified that the conclusion of the program is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount, the parent company of CBS.

Colbert shared the news with the live audience during a taping on May 14, 2026. He informed the crowd that he had learned of the upcoming conclusion on May 13, 2026, noting that the current season would be the program’s final one. The audience responded to the news with an outcry of No! and audible boos.

During his address, Colbert emphasized that the end of his tenure also signifies the end of the franchise itself on the network. He clarified that the show is not being replaced by another host, but is instead being discontinued.

It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of ‘The Late Show’ on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This represents all just going away. And I do want to say … That the folks at CBS have been great partners. I’m so grateful to the Tiffany Network for giving me this chair and this beautiful theater to call home. And of course I’m grateful to you, the audience, who have joined us every night.

Stephen Colbert

A Decade of Late Night Leadership

Colbert has hosted The Late Show since 2015, when he succeeded David Letterman. Reflecting on his time in the host’s chair, Colbert noted that he has had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you in front of this camera for the last 10 years.

The host expressed profound gratitude to the production staff, specifically mentioning the 200 people who work here. Colbert described the position as a fantastic job and indicated his intention to continue working with his staff through the remainder of the season, referring to them as his usual gang of idiots for another 10 months.

CBS expressed its respect for Colbert’s contribution to the network, stating that both the host and the broadcast will be remembered within the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.