CBS is ending ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' next year
In a shocking move, CBS is ending 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' next year, potentially exiting the late-night television business altogether.
www.cnn.comShort answer: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is scheduled to end in May 2026, with the final episode airing on May 21, 2026. This was announced by CBS as the end of the franchise for financial reasons, not due to performance.[3][4][6]
Details and context:
- CBS first publicly announced in July 2025 that The Late Show would end after the 2025–2026 broadcast season, making May 2026 the end of the series.[4][9]
- Stephen Colbert confirmed the farewell date in January 2026, stating that there would be four more months of episodes before the series concludes on May 21, 2026.[2][6]
- CBS emphasized the decision as a financial one tied to a challenging late-night environment, rather than reflecting the show's performance or Colbert’s involvement.[3][4]
What this means for fans:
- The show will have a finite number of remaining episodes through the 2025–2026 season, culminating in late May 2026.[6][4]
- Colbert’s future plans have been a topic of media coverage, but the official end date is May 21, 2026, according to multiple outlets reporting CBS and Colbert remarks.[2][6]
Caveat:
- If you’re looking for the very latest scheduling specifics (e.g., any last-minute changes), I can check the most current CBS press releases or credible entertainment outlets and update you.