Stephen Colbert’s Late Show to Wrap in May 2026 After 11-Year Run

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will officially end in May 2026, according to the host’s announcement during a live taping.

CBS confirmed the decision, citing financial pressures unrelated to the show’s performance. Colbert’s show has consistently led late-night ratings, with over 2.4 million viewers per episode, and was recently nominated for a Primetime Emmy.

Despite its success, the show is the latest casualty in an industry shifting rapidly due to streaming, changing viewer habits, and media consolidation.

Colbert’s critical monologue earlier this week referenced a controversial $16 million settlement between CBS’s parent company Paramount Global and Donald Trump, fueling speculation around corporate influence and timing.

This development follows growing instability across late-night TV, including similar shakeups at The Daily Show and Comedy Central.

Colbert, who took over from David Letterman in 2015 and brought his unique blend of satire and political commentary from The Daily Show, told the audience he will not be replaced; the show itself will simply end.