CBS to End "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in 2026 Amid Industry Shifts

CBS has announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will come to an end in May 2026, concluding both the program’s 11-year run and the broader Late Show franchise after over three decades on the network. The decision is part of a broader financial strategy as CBS adapts to changing viewer behaviors and the challenges facing traditional television.

The network cited economic considerations, including declining advertising revenue and increased competition from streaming and digital platforms, as key reasons for the cancellation. CBS emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of the show’s performance, which has remained strong in its time slot.

Stephen Colbert assumed hosting duties in 2015, following the retirement of David Letterman. Under Colbert’s stewardship, The Late Show became known for its sharp political commentary, especially during the Trump presidency, and held a leading position among late-night offerings.

The cancellation follows a recent trend at CBS, which ended The Late Late Show with James Corden in 2023, also due to budget constraints. These moves are taking place amid larger changes at the network’s parent company, Paramount Global, which is in the process of merging with Skydance Media.

News of the cancellation has drawn responses from across the late-night landscape. Hosts including Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel publicly expressed support for Colbert and disappointment in CBS’s decision. Their reactions have reignited broader conversations about the future of late-night programming, as networks face mounting pressure to evolve with digital consumption patterns.

CBS has not announced any plans to replace The Late Show in its current time slot, signaling a possible strategic shift away from traditional nightly talk formats.

The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is scheduled to air in May 2026.

This article is based on verified reporting from ABC News, Variety, Good Morning America, Vanity Fair, and The Economic Times as of July 18, 2025.