Stephen Colbert to End ‘The Late Show’ in 2026
After a decade of success, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will officially end in May 2026. Colbert announced the news during a July 17 taping, making it clear the show won’t continue with a new host. “It’s not just the end of our show—it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS,” he told his audience.

Despite topping late-night ratings for nine straight years, CBS cited financial pressures as the reason for ending the show—not its performance. Colbert expressed deep gratitude to his 200-person team and praised CBS as “great partners.”

The curtain may be closing, but Colbert’s legacy in late-night is sure to endure.