CBS Ends Colbert’s “Late Show” after Upcoming Season
On Thursday, CBS announced the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” following the next TV season, attributing this decision to “financial considerations.”
This move signifies the conclusion of a long-standing tradition of original late-night programming at CBS, which took off in 1993 with David Letterman’s departure from NBC. CBS representatives highlighted the mounting economic challenges within the industry as a key factor for this decision.
🚨Break: CBS Late Show with Stephen Colbert to be cancelled pic.twitter.com/nbiic1beby
– Daily Caller (@dailycaller) July 17, 2025
A CBS executive mentioned, “Stephen Colbert thinks it’s irreplaceable and will retire from the Late Show ‘franchise’ in May 2026.” They expressed pride in Colbert’s association with CBS, stating that he and the show would hold a significant place in the late-night television legacy. They emphasized that the cancellation is strictly a financial decision and not a reflection of the show’s performance or content.
This news emerges amidst speculation about increased oversight on Colbert from executives at Skydance Media, which is set to acquire Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS and Comedy Central. There are suggestions that Colbert, alongside Jon Stewart of Comedy Central’s “Daily Show,” may address political themes, especially those relating to figures like former President Donald Trump, who is often a target of their humor.
