Stephen Colbert’s Late Show to End in 2026

On a recent podcast with SiriusXM’s Megin Kelly, columnist Maureen Callahan shared her views on why Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” is set to come to an end. She claimed that audiences aren’t keen on being “lected” by him, which she believes contributed to the show’s cancellation.

CBS announced on Thursday that “The Late Show” would conclude by May 2026 as part of its final season. Callahan remarked that the cancellation signifies, “another nail in the coffin” for traditional media, highlighting that it’s more than just the end of Colbert’s tenure; it reflects broader issues in the industry.

“It’s surprising for so many reasons, but culturally, it really suggests something significant,” she added. “This isn’t merely about canceling Colbert; it’s a broader trend of failing legacy media.” She also mentioned dissatisfaction with other late-night hosts, such as Jimmy Kimmel, whose performance has been under scrutiny, and the struggling format of Jimmy Fallon’s show. There were even rumors about Seth Meyers needing to make cuts to his band for financial reasons.

In its official statement, CBS identified the cancellation as “a purely financial decision,” reflecting the tough climate in late-night programming. They dismissed any speculation regarding performance-related issues, insisting that no decisions were made based on show content or any issues at Paramount.

Callahan also referenced the decline of other daytime shows, noting the cancellation of Ellen DeGeneres’ program in 2022 and concerns about Kelly Clarkson’s show. She pointed out that Ellen had faced significant backlash and cited cultural shifts affecting media formats. “This is a dying format,” she said, observing that audiences are increasingly turning to platforms like YouTube for entertainment.

Moreover, she criticized Colbert’s style, describing him as overly serious and lacking humor. “At the end of the day, hardworking people don’t want to be lectured,” she stated. “They want to unwind and laugh before bed, not listen to someone like Colbert preach at them.” Over the years, Colbert has focused heavily on political topics, facing backlash for his stances, which may have contributed to the show’s decline.