Colbert’s late-night reign concludes in May—network drops hints, but no successor yet
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Some endings unfold in ways we brace for, while others arrive with a quiet jolt that leaves everyone reaching for answers they didn’t know they’d need.
Within the ever-evolving world of television, very few announcements make their debut without a wave of speculation or subtle hints.
And yet, even the most devoted and observant viewers seemed genuinely unprepared for this particular turn of events.
It’s the sort of revelation that lingers in group chats, headlines, and late-night conversations long after the initial shock wears off.
The announcement didn’t come from a press release or a leaked report—it came directly from Stephen Colbert, who told a stunned audience, “Next year will be our last season.”
“The network will be ending ‘The Late Show’ in May.” The moment unfolded at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, where Colbert delivered the message with characteristic honesty.
“Yeah, I share your feelings,” he added as the crowd groaned in disbelief. And then came the truly unexpected line: “It’s not just the end of our show, it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS.”
This wasn’t just a changing of hosts, or a temporary hiatus—it was a full shutdown. “I’m not being replaced.”
“This is all just going away,” Colbert said plainly, confirming there would be no new face behind the desk. CBS has held that time slot since the early ‘90s, first with David Letterman, then with Colbert—two hosts who helped define a genre.
But in May, for the first time in over 30 years, that nightly presence will vanish. Adding to the surprise was the timing—just two days before the show received an Emmy nomination for Best Talk Series.
Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, didn’t mince words about why the show was ending. “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire ‘The Late Show’ franchise at that time,” said Co-CEO George Cheeks.
They emphasized that the decision was “purely financial” and had nothing to do with content, performance, or ratings.
The explanation reflects a broader shift in how late-night is consumed, as traditional viewing continues to decline.
Paramount made clear that Colbert's work wasn’t in question. “We are proud that Stephen called CBS home,” the network added. But in today’s media landscape, even top-rated shows aren't immune to budget cuts.
Still, speculation quickly turned to other possible motives—especially after Colbert addressed a major controversy on air.
Earlier this month, Paramount paid a $16 million settlement to Donald Trump in response to a defamation lawsuit tied to a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.
The payment was widely criticized as a strategic move to secure regulatory approval for a proposed sale to Skydance Media. Returning from vacation, Colbert didn’t hold back.
Sporting a post-holiday mustache, Colbert mocked the payment as a “big fat bribe” in a fiery monologue.
He also made light of reports suggesting that Skydance might “please Trump” by pressuring CBS to silence Colbert.
The jokes were pointed, but the subtext was serious. Senator Adam Schiff, a recent guest, commented that “the public deserves to know” if politics played a role in the show’s cancellation.
Colbert has been a constant presence in late-night since taking over from David Letterman in 2015. He transformed the show from a celebrity-focused showcase into a nightly forum for sharp political commentary and cultural satire.
“It is a fantastic job, I wish someone else was getting it,” Colbert said, visibly emotional. “And it's a job I'm looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for the another 10 months. It's going to be fun..”
That “gang” includes a 200-person crew and his longtime house band, who have helped define the show’s tone and energy.
Colbert’s impact has gone far beyond his desk—he’s raised millions for charity, hosted world leaders, and become a nightly fixture in American households. Even his critics often acknowledged his consistency and courage. There’s no denying he brought a distinct voice to the format.
Paramount’s strategy remains focused on cutting costs and adapting to the streaming era. Whether Colbert resurfaces elsewhere or decides to pivot to a new project, his fans are already bracing for the loss.
The end of The Late Show marks a bigger cultural shift as late-night talk loses its long-held dominance. As habits change and younger audiences gravitate toward streaming, YouTube, and social media, the traditional talk show model is starting to feel like a relic.
And while Colbert’s exit may not be the last, it’s certainly the most significant. His tenure may soon be remembered as the final chapter in a once-mighty genre.
Read next:
What was your favorite Colbert moment—an interview, a monologue, or maybe a joke that stuck with you? How do you feel about The Late Show coming to an end with no one stepping in to carry the torch? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this story with fellow fans, and let us know what you think the future of late-night should look like. We'll be reading every response.
Within the ever-evolving world of television, very few announcements make their debut without a wave of speculation or subtle hints.
And yet, even the most devoted and observant viewers seemed genuinely unprepared for this particular turn of events.
It’s the sort of revelation that lingers in group chats, headlines, and late-night conversations long after the initial shock wears off.
The announcement didn’t come from a press release or a leaked report—it came directly from Stephen Colbert, who told a stunned audience, “Next year will be our last season.”
“The network will be ending ‘The Late Show’ in May.” The moment unfolded at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, where Colbert delivered the message with characteristic honesty.
“Yeah, I share your feelings,” he added as the crowd groaned in disbelief. And then came the truly unexpected line: “It’s not just the end of our show, it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS.”
This wasn’t just a changing of hosts, or a temporary hiatus—it was a full shutdown. “I’m not being replaced.”
Colbert’s late-night reign concludes in May. Image source: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert / YouTube
“This is all just going away,” Colbert said plainly, confirming there would be no new face behind the desk. CBS has held that time slot since the early ‘90s, first with David Letterman, then with Colbert—two hosts who helped define a genre.
But in May, for the first time in over 30 years, that nightly presence will vanish. Adding to the surprise was the timing—just two days before the show received an Emmy nomination for Best Talk Series.
Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, didn’t mince words about why the show was ending. “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire ‘The Late Show’ franchise at that time,” said Co-CEO George Cheeks.
They emphasized that the decision was “purely financial” and had nothing to do with content, performance, or ratings.
The explanation reflects a broader shift in how late-night is consumed, as traditional viewing continues to decline.
Paramount made clear that Colbert's work wasn’t in question. “We are proud that Stephen called CBS home,” the network added. But in today’s media landscape, even top-rated shows aren't immune to budget cuts.
Still, speculation quickly turned to other possible motives—especially after Colbert addressed a major controversy on air.
Earlier this month, Paramount paid a $16 million settlement to Donald Trump in response to a defamation lawsuit tied to a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.
The payment was widely criticized as a strategic move to secure regulatory approval for a proposed sale to Skydance Media. Returning from vacation, Colbert didn’t hold back.
Sporting a post-holiday mustache, Colbert mocked the payment as a “big fat bribe” in a fiery monologue.
He also made light of reports suggesting that Skydance might “please Trump” by pressuring CBS to silence Colbert.
The jokes were pointed, but the subtext was serious. Senator Adam Schiff, a recent guest, commented that “the public deserves to know” if politics played a role in the show’s cancellation.
Colbert has been a constant presence in late-night since taking over from David Letterman in 2015. He transformed the show from a celebrity-focused showcase into a nightly forum for sharp political commentary and cultural satire.
“It is a fantastic job, I wish someone else was getting it,” Colbert said, visibly emotional. “And it's a job I'm looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for the another 10 months. It's going to be fun..”
That “gang” includes a 200-person crew and his longtime house band, who have helped define the show’s tone and energy.
Colbert’s impact has gone far beyond his desk—he’s raised millions for charity, hosted world leaders, and become a nightly fixture in American households. Even his critics often acknowledged his consistency and courage. There’s no denying he brought a distinct voice to the format.
Paramount’s strategy remains focused on cutting costs and adapting to the streaming era. Whether Colbert resurfaces elsewhere or decides to pivot to a new project, his fans are already bracing for the loss.
The end of The Late Show marks a bigger cultural shift as late-night talk loses its long-held dominance. As habits change and younger audiences gravitate toward streaming, YouTube, and social media, the traditional talk show model is starting to feel like a relic.
And while Colbert’s exit may not be the last, it’s certainly the most significant. His tenure may soon be remembered as the final chapter in a once-mighty genre.
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