Stephen Colbert confirmed the month for the final episode of The Late Show during his appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The late-night talk show will air its last episode on May 21 after ten seasons.
At a Glance
- Final episode of The Late Show set for May 21.
- Colbert said the end “feels real” after four months.
- CBS cites a purely financial decision to cancel the show.
- Why it matters: Fans and industry observers will see the end of a long-running CBS staple.
Colbert’s confirmation came in a brief segment on Late Night with Seth Meyers. He reflected on the upcoming finale and the relationships that made the show special. “It feels real now,” Colbert told Meyers, noting that the show’s last episode is in just four months.
Colbert’s Reflections on the Show
Colbert highlighted the people behind the scenes as the most valuable part of his career. “Listen, you can do comedy in a lot of different places, [but] there’s no place like the Ed Sullivan Theater,” he said, referring to the New York City venue where the show is filmed. He added that the team he has worked with since the beginning will be the biggest loss.
- People: Long-time staffers and crew.
- Location: Ed Sullivan Theater.
- Emotional tone: Colbert expressed genuine sadness and gratitude.
He also recalled a monologue he delivered during a July 17 taping, where he announced the upcoming end. “Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending The Late Show in May,” he said.
CBS Decision and Financial Context
CBS announced the cancellation days after Colbert’s July 14, 2025 episode, in which he criticized Paramount’s $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump. The settlement followed allegations that 60 Minutes had deceptively edited an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. Paramount also secured FCC approval for a merger with Skydance Media in August 2025.
CBS released a statement to News Of Los Angeles explaining that the decision was “purely financial” and “is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.” The statement emphasized the network’s respect for Colbert and his team, noting that the show had been #1 in late night for 9 straight seasons.
> “Our admiration, affection, and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonizing decision even more difficult,” the statement read.
> “The show has been #1 in late night for 9 straight seasons; Stephen’s comedy resonates daily across digital and social media; and the broadcast is a staple of the nation’s zeitgeist.”
Background of The Late Show
The franchise began in 1993 with David Letterman as host. Colbert, who previously starred in The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, took over after Letterman’s retirement in 2015. Since then, he has maintained the show’s reputation for sharp monologues, high-profile interviews, and cultural commentary.
Key Quotes
- “It feels real now,” Colbert told Seth Meyers.
- “Listen, you can do comedy in a lot of different places, [but] there’s no place like the Ed Sullivan Theater.”
- “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.”
- “As someone who has always been a proud employee of this network, I am offended,” Colbert said during the July 14 episode.
Takeaways
- The Late Show will conclude on May 21, marking the end of a decade-long run.
- CBS attributes the cancellation to financial considerations, not to Colbert’s performance.
- The show’s legacy includes a record of nine consecutive seasons at the top of late-night ratings.
- Colbert’s departure will leave a notable gap in CBS’s late-night lineup.
Fans and industry insiders alike will watch the final episode closely as it signals the end of an era for one of the most recognizable hosts in American television.
