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Stephen Colbert will be stepping away from hosting The Late Show. After the unexpected announcement of a significant $16 million settlement involving Donald Trump, CBS has confirmed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude next year. As devoted fans of this beloved late-night comedy program process this shocking news, many are left wondering about the reasons behind the show’s cancellation. The central question on everyone’s minds is: why is Stephen’s late-night show coming to an end after such a successful run?
In this article, Hollywood Life provides a comprehensive breakdown of the factors leading to the conclusion of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Understanding the Cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
Indeed, CBS is officially canceling the The Late Show franchise after an impressive run of over three decades. Stephen Colbert took the helm of the show in 2015, following its original host, David Letterman, and has since become a significant figure in the late-night television landscape.
Final Air Date for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
The Late Show is set to conclude in May 2026, as announced by CBS executives on July 17, 2025. This marks the end of an era for fans who have enjoyed the show’s unique blend of humor, commentary, and celebrity interviews.
Reasons Behind the Conclusion of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
CBS has decided to end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert primarily due to financial considerations, a point emphasized by network executives in a statement released on July 17, 2025, which was later reported by Variety.
“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire the The Late Show franchise in May of 2026,” CBS executives stated. “We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and this broadcast will be remembered among the greats who have graced late-night television.”
The unnamed CBS executives further added, “This decision is purely financial against a challenging backdrop for late-night programming. It is not related to the show’s performance, content, or any ongoing matters at Paramount.
The impending merger between Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS, and Skydance Media is anticipated to finalize later this year, potentially impacting various programming decisions.
Is Stephen Colbert Departing from The Late Show?
Based on multiple reports surrounding CBS’s decision to cancel the comedy series, it seems that Stephen did not choose to leave The Late Show voluntarily. According to Variety, the comedian was informed of the network’s decision on July 16, 2025, and he subsequently shared the news with his audience during the taping of the following episode.
The Late Show is not the only late-night series to face cancellation by CBS. Earlier in the year, the network also pulled After Midnight, which featured comedian Taylor Tomlinson, from its programming lineup.
Stephen Colbert’s Salary for Hosting The Late Show
Reports indicate that Stephen Colbert earned an impressive salary of approximately $15 million per year during his tenure hosting The Late Show, highlighting his significance in the late-night television industry.
