The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end in 2026 while CBS withdraws the iconic late night franchise

CBS confirmed a big turn on television late at night and was announced The Late Show with Stephen Colbert It will end in May 2026.

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert He will end his historical race in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season, “said CBS managers in a joint declaration.” We consider irreplaceable Stephen Colbert and we will retire at that moment. We are proud that Stephen called CBS at home. He and the transmission will be remembered in the Pantheon of the greats who embellished the television late at night. “

The declaration was issued by George GuaceCo-Cemount Global and President and CEO of the CBS; Amy ReisenbachPresident of the CBS Entertainment; AND David StapfPresident of the CBS Studios.

Colbert gave the news during Tuesday’s cap, saying to the public: “I’m not replaced, everything is just left.”

According to the CBS, the decision was “purely a financial decision against a demanding background late at night” and “is not related in any way to the performance, content or other issues of the show in the paramount”.

The move coincides with the Colbert contract that ends at the end of 2026, but the times raised their eyebrows. A few days ago, Colbert defined the $ 16 million Paramount Global solution from the Donald Trump cause a “Big Fat Blook”.

Even tonight’s guest, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Ca), mentioned the controversy, tweeting: “I just finished recording with Stephen Colbert who announced that his show has been deleted. If Paramount and CBS have concluded the late show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And it deserves better”.

CBS claims that politics had nothing to do with it, but undoubtedly speculation, in particular with Skydance who currently works to acquire Paramount.

As for what is the next for Colbert, perhaps he will meet with Jon Stewart above The Daily Show. Stewart has recently extended its race on the basis of central comedy until 2025. While nothing is confirmed, fans are already speculating on the possibility.

This decision comes while the panorama late at night continues to reduce itself. CBS recently canceled after midnight instead of replacing the host Taylor TomlinsonAnd the public has constantly decreased throughout the line.

The late show launched in 1993 with David Letterman After its legendary move by the NBC. Letterman hosted until 2015, when Colbert, who has just come out of his success The Daily Show AND The Colbert ReportHe took the chair. His mandate was marked by a strong political comment and by extraordinary interviews that have made known all over the world.

When the final episode is broadcast in May 2026, it will not only mark the end of the Colbert era, the curtain will close on a late night institution that has entertained the public for more than three decades.