Stephen Colbert is preparing to bid farewell to his tenure at CBS, marking a significant moment in late-night television.

The network has officially confirmed that <em>The Late Show with Stephen Colbert</em> will conclude its remarkable journey next year, with the series finale scheduled to air in 2026. This announcement has sent ripples through the entertainment industry as fans and critics alike reflect on the show’s impact.

“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will conclude 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 take immense pride in the fact that Stephen called CBS his home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late-night television,” a group of CBS executives stated to Deadline in a formal announcement, emphasizing Colbert’s unique contributions to the genre.

In a surprising turn of events, not only is Colbert‘s show coming to an end, but CBS is also set to retire the entire Late Show franchise. This iconic series first launched in 1993 with David Letterman at the helm, and Colbert took over as host in 2015, continuing the legacy of late-night talk shows.

“I’m not being replaced; this is all just going away,” Colbert expressed to his audience during the taping of his show on Thursday (July 17), sharing his thoughts on the show’s impending conclusion with a sense of nostalgia.

Keep reading to discover more details about this significant announcement…

CBS elaborated that the decision to end the show was “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late-night entertainment,” highlighting the evolving landscape of television viewership.

“This decision is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount,” the statement reassured, seeking to clarify any misconceptions regarding the show’s quality or popularity.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert recently received an Emmy nomination, showcasing its ongoing relevance in the industry, although some of Colbert’s competitors were notably snubbed during this award cycle.

Watch the announcement video below for insights and reactions from Colbert and his team.

Additionally, check out the comprehensive list of shows canceled by various TV networks in 2025, as the industry continues to shift and evolve.