Why is CBS cancelling Stephen Colbert’s Late Night Show? Complete drama explained

On July 17, 2025, CBS announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and the whole Late Show lineup, will end in May 2026. This news came out during one of the show's tapings. Stephen Colbert, the host since 2015, talked about this move and said thanks to both the network and the people watching for their support over the years.

NEW: 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' has been canceled, according to Deadline.

The show will be ending in May of 2026 at the end of the broadcast season.

"I’m not being replaced, this is all just going away," Colbert said.

CBS says the move was "purely a financial… pic.twitter.com/DbWa69MKj9

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 17, 2025

CBS said this choice was made due to financial problems hitting the late-night TV area.

CBS to end The Late Show in 2026, citing Colbert as "irreplaceable"

CBS has officially announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will come to an end in May 2026, aligning with the conclusion of that year's television season. In its statement, the network emphasized that Colbert is seen as a singular talent, even describing him as "irreplaceable." 

Rather than continuing the show with a different host, CBS has chosen to bring The Late Show to a full close. The network also highlighted Colbert’s significant role and lasting impact, noting that both he and the program have earned their place as some of the most admired figures and productions in the history of late-night television.
In their words:

"THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season. We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire 'THE LATE SHOW' franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television."

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CBS says show's end is about finances, not ratings or politics

CBS also mentioned that the show's production cost and its ratings were not in alignment with each other:

"This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show's performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount".

The TV channel's choice to axe the show, once run by a leader who often spoke hard against Trump's team, came right after a court deal with the now President.

This move's timing has caught eyeballs, especially since the host often took on the government's plans and moves.

While the channel did not say the two events are connected, the close timing between settling the case and taking the show off the air has led many to think there was political push on what the channel chose to do.

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Stephen Colbert confirms show's end in 2026, says no one will replace him

During the Thursday taping, Stephen Colbert told the studio crowd that The Late Show will end next year, with its last show in May. He said that this doesn't just mark the end of his time, but also the full stop of The Late Show on CBS, making clear that no one will take his place after he leaves. Colbert shared that he got the news just the night before.

In reply to how the crowd felt, he said thanks to CBS, calling them a kind friend during his days on the show. He also gave a big thank you to the people who watched every night, saying they were a big reason the show went on for so long. In his words:

"Before we start the show, I want to let you know something I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending 'The Late Show' in May. It's not just the end of our show, it's the end of 'The Late Show' on CBS. I'm not being replaced. This is 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."

While shooting the show, Stephen Colbert heard the boos and sad yells from the crowd. He answered coolly, saying, "I feel the same way." He then showed his thanks to CBS, calling it "the Tiffany Network," and was happy for the chance to be the host from the well-known chair and in the old theatre.

The host, who started after David Letterman in 2015, looked back on the last 10 years with thanks. He gave a big shout-out to the crowd for their steady night help.

His words got a big clap as a nod to his 10 years as host.

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What do the netizens say?

CBS's choice to stop The Late Show for good, not finding someone to take Stephen Colbert's place, marks a big change in the network’s late-night past. Since it started in 1993, the show has been a big part of American TV, having famous guests and forming talks about culture.

While the network said that Colbert was a main man in the history of late-night shows, its move to end the show has made a lot of noise online.

On X, many people can't believe it and are sad, saying Colbert's funny words were key to the show. Some even say other forces might be at play.

"CBS is canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, calling it a “financial decision.” … sure. Totally nothing to do with the political commentary, right?," a user commented.

"Nothing national advertisers want more than a show that speaks truth to power," another netizen expressed.

"I cannot believe this!! Stephen Colbert is a brilliant, hilarious, and GOOD entertainer. The network claimed it was a purely financial decision but a few days ago someone posted on here about some new managment making it likely that Colbert & Stewart would be dropped.I hope Apple or HBO or some other network makes him an offer. We can follow him there & boycott Paramount," a user wrote.

Some other people commented:

"Who even watches the major networks anymore? He will find a new home with a streaming network and do very well with a large audience. CBS's loss but my guess is he'll do quite well and I'm excited for his next venture," a user commented.

"I have been watching Colbert since 2006. End of an era!," another netizen expressed.

"Stephen Colbert isn’t being replaced he’s just logging off the simulation. CBS calling it “a financial decision” feels like the polite way of saying: “Streaming ate our ad revenue & Gen Z thinks ‘late night’ means scrolling TikTok at 2AM," a user wrote.

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