CBS is pulling the plug on Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” with a finale set for next year.
The Daily Caller reported that in a stunning move, CBS revealed on Thursday that Colbert’s long-running program will wrap up after the upcoming TV season, with the final episode airing in May 2026.
This isn’t just a show ending; it’s the close of a storied chapter for CBS, which kicked off its original late-night programming back in 1993 with David Letterman’s jump from NBC.
The network’s decision, as reported by Variety and shared by the Daily Caller on social media, has sent ripples through the entertainment world. It’s a reminder of how even giants can fall under the weight of industry shifts.
CBS executives were quick to frame this as a dollars-and-cents call, citing mounting economic challenges in the late-night TV landscape.
“This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” they told Variety, insisting it’s unrelated to the show’s content or performance. But in an era where budgets are tighter than a drum, one has to wonder if creativity is the real casualty here.
“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire ‘The Late Show’ franchise in May of 2026,” CBS brass added in their statement. Irreplaceable? If so, why not fight tooth and nail to keep the lights on for a show that’s been a cultural touchstone?
Let’s not kid ourselves—late-night TV isn’t the cash cow it once was, and CBS seems ready to cut losses rather than innovate. The network’s own words about a “challenging backdrop” paint a grim picture for anyone hoping for a revival of the genre’s glory days. It’s a pragmatic move, sure, but it stings for those who value wit over spreadsheets.
Adding a twist to this tale, Paramount Global—CBS’s parent company—is on the cusp of being acquired by Skydance Media, led by David Ellison, a figure some see as sympathetic to certain political leanings, including those of President Donald Trump.
This raises eyebrows, given Colbert’s track record of sharp critiques aimed at the same administration. Could there be more than just financials at play?
Colbert hasn’t held back, recently slamming Trump’s shrugging off of a major controversy as simply “boring.” That’s a bold jab from a host who’s never shied away from speaking his mind. But in a world where corporate mergers loom, such outspokenness might not sit well with new bosses.
Then there’s Colbert’s biting take on Paramount Global itself, calling their $16 million settlement with Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview a “big fat bribe.”
Ouch—that’s not exactly the kind of comment that wins friends in the boardroom. It’s hard not to see a potential clash brewing as ownership changes hands.
Speculation is swirling that both Colbert and Jon Stewart, who hosts a weekly show on Comedy Central, another Paramount Global entity, might face tougher oversight from Skydance Media executives post-acquisition. When your bread and butter is poking fun at powerful figures, a shift in the corporate guard can feel like a storm on the horizon.
For now, CBS is sticking to the narrative of fiscal restraint, with executives gushing that Colbert “will be remembered in the pantheon of greats” in late-night history.
That’s a nice sentiment, but it doesn’t soften the blow of losing a platform that’s shaped political discourse for years. One can’t help but sense a tinge of regret beneath the polished PR speak.
Colbert’s critiques, especially during Trump’s second term, have often cut deep, whether it’s about high-profile controversies or corporate missteps by his own network’s parent company. Watching him go toe-to-toe with power has been a late-night staple. Will that fearless edge find a new home, or is this truly the end of an era?
As May 2026 approaches, the countdown to the final “Late Show” episode feels like a slow goodbye to a tradition that once defined CBS’s after-hours identity. It’s not just about Colbert—it’s about what late-night TV has meant to generations of viewers seeking laughter and insight.
From Letterman to Colbert, CBS carved out a space for sharp, original programming that didn’t shy away from tough topics. Now, with economic pressures dictating the narrative, the network seems poised to pivot away from that legacy. It’s a shame, especially for those of us who believe entertainment should challenge, not just entertain.