CBS has announced that "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" will conclude in May 2026, as confirmed by Colbert during a recent taping. This news follows Colbert's public criticism of Paramount Global, CBS's parent company, regarding a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump, related to a lawsuit over a "60 Minutes" interview with Kamala Harris. Colbert expressed his disappointment with the settlement, suggesting it could undermine trust in the company.
The network stated that the cancellation is a financial decision due to the challenging landscape of late-night television and is not a reflection of the show's performance or content. Despite this, Colbert's "The Late Show" has maintained strong viewership, leading its time slot with approximately 2.4 million viewers per episode this year, and has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for the sixth time.
Colbert has hosted "The Late Show" since 2015, succeeding David Letterman. The program has shifted towards a more political focus under his leadership, frequently featuring politicians alongside entertainment figures. This direction has led to speculation about the motivations behind its cancellation, with some critics, including Democratic Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren, questioning whether political factors influenced the decision.
Late-night programming has faced economic pressures, with declining viewership and shifts in audience preferences toward online content. CBS has also recently canceled other late-night shows, indicating broader challenges within the genre. Colbert's vocal criticism of the Trump settlement and the corporate landscape surrounding CBS has also drawn attention, leading to discussions about the implications for late-night media and its future.