Why is CBS canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert? Comedian prepares to end the program in May 2026

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is ending in May 2026, and the CBS network says it is “purely a financial decision” stemming from “a challenging backdrop in late night.” The network also revealed in a statement released on July 17, 2025, that the decision to cancel the show is not "related to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”

CBS expressed gratitude for Stephen Colbert’s contribution to their network, adding that he will be remembered in the “pantheon of greats”:

"We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire the '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."

CBS acknowledged that Colbert had delivered “cutting-edge comedy,” “must-watch monologues”, and interviews with leaders from all spheres of life.

Colbert, during the July 17, 2025, episode of his late-night show, shared the news of the show’s cancellation, adding that he had only learnt of it the night before:

"I found out just last night, next year will be our last season," host Stephen Colbert told his studio audience. "The network will be ending ‘The Late Show’ in May."

"I am extraordinarily, deeply grateful to the 200 people who work here,” Stephen Colbert says as he announces the cancellation of his Late Night Show

Stephen Colbert, as he shared the news of his show’s cancellation on CBS, also expressed gratitude for his fans and the opportunity given to him to have a platform. He also appreciated his coworkers and the Late Night Show family.

The TV host stated:

"I am extraordinarily, deeply grateful to the 200 people who work here. We get to do this show. 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."

Colbert added that he looked forward to continuing to host The Late Show for another 10 months and promised viewers that the remaining show episodes would be fun.

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