CBS will conclude 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' on May 21, 2026, after the host's decade-long run at the Ed Sullivan Theater. The network described the decision as financial, with Colbert stating he would step down to pursue other activities. Multiple guests are scheduled for the final weeks of the program.
“What Stephen Colbert's exit means for the future of late-night”
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“How to watch the ‘Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ finale for free”
Read at New York Post →Colbert’s exit removes a platform for satire that challenged conservative policies and corporate power, potentially reducing cross-audience political commentary as linear TV declines.
“Corporate cost-cutting targets accountability-focused content”
The cancellation reflects audience rejection of one-sided partisan messaging in late-night formats, accelerating shifts to independent platforms.
“Late-night shows became unsustainable after prioritizing activism over entertainment”
Market forces are retiring an unprofitable network program, creating space for decentralized creators outside legacy constraints.
“Viewers and advertisers direct resources away from legacy formats”
All prior views accept the financial-decision narrative without examining Paramount’s debt, merger plans, or potential tax and staffing motives for retiring the franchise entirely.
“Groupthink overlooks corporate strategy and parallel ratings drops across less ideological shows”
Ratings by MBFC
CBS Sets May 21, 2026 as Final Air Date for 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' You are here