CBS Cancels ‘The Late Show’ with Stephen Colbert

A Historic Moment for Late Night Television

On an emotional night, Stephen Colbert revealed to his audience that The Late Show will be coming to an end in May of next year. The long-running program, a staple of CBS’s late-night lineup, will close its curtains after nearly a decade of Colbert’s tenure at the helm—making this the final season for both Colbert and the show itself.

A Heartfelt Announcement

Colbert did not shy away from displaying the gravity of the moment. With gratitude in his voice and support from his audience, he stated:

“Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending the Late Show in May… I share your feelings. 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 is all just going away.”

The atmosphere was charged with emotion, underscored by applause and live music. Colbert took deliberate care to thank the network, his band, and—notably—the 200 staff members who bring the show to life daily.

Reflecting on Ten Years of Laughter

Colbert described his decade hosting The Late Show as a “fantastic job,” joking that he wished someone else were getting it, further endearing himself to a live audience both in the studio and at home. Over the years, his style blended sharp political satire with a sense of warmth and civility, setting a high bar for modern late-night comedy.

No Replacement—Just a Curtain Call

Importantly, Colbert clarified that CBS is not seeking a successor or a new format for the late-night slot. Instead, this marks a full stop to The Late Show on the network. The decision encapsulates a broader shift within television—away from the traditions of nightly talk and toward new, evolving forms of entertainment.

What Comes Next

Colbert assured viewers that the team is “locked in” for another 10 months of shows, promising plenty of energy and fun as the final season unfolds. Fans can look forward to a true celebration of everything that made The Late Show a cultural mainstay—from its witty banter and A-list guests to heartfelt moments and musical performances.

Legacy and Appreciation

In closing, Colbert emphasized his gratitude—to CBS, to his creative collaborators, and to the viewers: “We get to do this show for each other every day, all day… And I’ve 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.”

With the end now on the horizon, The Late Show prepares to take its final bow—leaving late-night TV a little emptier, but its legacy brighter than ever.