Breaking News Update: July 2025
Stephen Colbert is not being fired from “The Late Show,” but CBS has made the shocking decision to cancel the entire Late Show franchise, bringing an end to Stephen Colbert’s decade-long run as host. The network announced on July 17, 2025, that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will conclude its historic run in May 2026 after the current broadcast season ends.
CBS Calls Cancellation “Purely a Financial Decision”
CBS described the cancellation as “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” emphasizing that the decision to end the show was financial rather than performance-related. The network made it clear that they “consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise” entirely.
This marks the end of more than three decades of “The Late Show” on CBS, which previously featured David Letterman from 1993 to 2015 before Colbert took over hosting duties.
Industry Challenges Behind the Decision
The cancellation reflects broader struggles facing late-night television. Despite Colbert outrating his competition at 11:35 p.m., the overall audience for late-night has been shrinking, with “ad dollars and audiences moving away from late night shows”. These financial pressures have been building for years, making traditional late-night programming increasingly unsustainable for networks.
Stephen Colbert’s Response to Criticism
The cancellation announcement drew commentary from various quarters, including President Donald Trump. In response to political criticism about the show’s ending, Colbert delivered a pointed response during a recent broadcast, demonstrating that he remains uncompromised in his approach even as the show nears its conclusion.
What’s Next for Stephen Colbert?
With “The Late Show” ending in May 2026, questions arise about Colbert’s future in television. The 60-year-old comedian and political satirist has not announced specific plans beyond the show’s conclusion. Industry observers speculate about potential opportunities in streaming, podcasting, or other television formats, though CBS’s decision to retire the entire franchise rather than replace the host suggests confidence in Colbert’s irreplaceable value to the format.
Impact on CBS and Late-Night Television
CBS staffers were reportedly “caught off guard” and “flabbergasted” by the announcement, indicating the decision came as a surprise even within the network. The move represents a significant shift for CBS, which has maintained a late-night presence for decades.
The cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” reflects the changing landscape of television entertainment, where traditional broadcast formats face increasing pressure from streaming services and changing viewer habits. As audiences migrate to on-demand and digital platforms, networks are being forced to make difficult financial decisions about long-standing franchises.
Timeline for the Final Season
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will continue broadcasting through May 2026, giving fans nearly a year to enjoy Colbert’s final season. The 11th season will mark the end of both Colbert’s tenure and the entire Late Show franchise on CBS.
This decision positions CBS among several networks reevaluating their late-night programming strategies amid declining viewership and advertising revenue challenges across the industry.