Late-night talk show The Late Show, fronted by Stephen Colbert, will not continue beyond its current contract, with CBS confirming the series will wrap in May 2026.
Colbert broke the news at the top of a recent episode, telling viewers: “Next year will be our last season — the network will be ending The Late Show in May.”
Responding to audience boos, he added: “I share your feelings… But it’s not 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.”
Paramount executives later confirmed the decision was “purely financial,” pointing to broader industry challenges — including shifting audience habits, with younger viewers increasingly turning to digital platforms and short-form content over traditional late-night TV.
But with Donald Trump’s long-standing dislike of the show — and Paramount seemingly bending over backwards to finalise the Skydance merger — the move has left many questioning what’s really behind the axe.
In a joint statement, Paramount co-CEO and CBS president and CEO George Cheeks, CBS Entertainment head Amy Reisenbach and CBS Studios president David Stapf said:
“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.”
“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 Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs weeknights on Network 10 in Australia.
and it’s just pure coincidence that Colbert absolutely served his employer for bending the knee to Trump days ago…?
Matthew Miller “served his employer”?
Matthew Miller Thank God…
Matthew Miller it doesn’t pay to bite the hand that feeds you
It is disgusting that CBS is kissing Trump’s fat ass. With Murrow, Cronkite and Rather they were once the network who attacked fascism. Now they’re just Trumpist pawns
Todd Skiles he sucks.
Todd Skiles No he is an employee who thought he was untouchable..he trashed the network bosses on air .. he’s a number .. Another Democrat mouth piece gone… Kimmel is next…who wants to tune in to these shows and hear how much they hate America…
Todd Skiles lmfao rather was never part of that! He was fired for his bias
I smell a rat!!
You know it is part of the 16m bribe deal so they can sell!!!!
hey hey
CBS kissing Trump’s fat ass. Disgusting that the network of Paley, Murrow, Cronkite, and Rather is joining the fascist camp.
Nvr watch CBS again
😥
Get you own pod cast we love you they don’t like the truth
What are the blue haired liberals going to watch now??
This is such bullshit! The orange blob supporters are behind this
He sucks.
He sucks glad hes gone
Leslie Magnone absolutely correct!!
Leslie Magnone Well he is not gone, and will get another gig that is for sure.
of course.. stifling free speech
Lenora Donohoe so dumb. Most of the media is controlled by the left. You’ll live. Crybaby.
good riddance