“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” has been canceled, CBS executives announced on Thursday, July 17. The network called the move a “financial decision,” and the last show is set to air in May 2026, according to CBS News.
“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire ‘The Late Show’ franchise at that time,” company executives said in a partial statement. “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.”
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“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 executives added.
Colbert responds on-air
Stephen Colbert, the host of the show, told his audience on Thursday that he was informed of the cancellation the previous night, July 16.
“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,” Colbert said. “And I do want to say … that the folks at CBS have been great partners. I’m so grateful to the Tiffany Network for giving me this chair and this beautiful theater to call home. And of course I’m grateful to you, the audience, who have joined us every night.”
Paramount’s business moves and Trump settlement
Paramount, the parent company of CBS, is currently seeking to merge with Skydance Media, a film and TV production company, in a merger valued at $8.4 billion.
Paramount also announced a settlement with President Donald Trump earlier this month related to a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris, which aired in October during the 2024 election season, when Harris was running against Trump.
Colbert criticized Trump settlement
Earlier this week, Colbert publicly disagreed with Paramount’s decision to settle with Trump, voicing his frustration during Monday night’s show.
“I am offended. I don’t know if anything, anything, will repair my trust in this company,” Colbert said. “But, just taking a stab at it, I’d say $16 million would help.”
Sen. Schiff responds after taping
California Sen. Adam Schiff appeared as a guest on Colbert’s show Thursday. Following the taping, Schiff posted about the show’s cancellation on X (formerly Twitter):
“Just finished taping with Stephen Colbert who announced his show was cancelled. If Paramount and CBS ended The Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better.”
