"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" to End After 2025-26 Broadcast Season

• “THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT” will end in May 2026 at the close of the 2025-26 broadcast season.

• Colbert announced the news during the show taping for Thursday, July 17th, at the Ed Sullivan Theater.

• Statement from
  GEORGE CHEEKS, co-CEO Paramount Global and president and chief executive officer, CBS
  AMY REISENBACH, president, CBS Entertainment
  DAVID STAPF, president, CBS Studios

“‘THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT’ will end its historic run in May 2026 at the end of the broadcast season. We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire THE LATE SHOW franchise at that time. 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.  

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. 

Our admiration, affection and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonizing decision even more difficult.  Stephen has taken CBS late night by storm with cutting-edge comedy, a must-watch monologue and interviews with leaders in entertainment, politics, news and newsmakers across all areas. The show has been #1 in late night for nine straight seasons; Stephen’s comedy resonates daily across digital and social media; and the broadcast is a staple of the nation’s zeitgeist.  

The accomplishments of THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT are memorable and significant in performance, quality and stature. With much gratitude, we look forward to honoring Stephen and celebrating the show over the next 10 months alongside its millions of fans and viewers.”