Short answer: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is slated to end in May 2026, with Colbert delivering the final broadcast then. CBS announced the cancellation in mid-2025, framing it as a financial decision amid a tough late-night environment. Colbert confirmed the final episode date in early 2026, and the network has stated the decision is not a reflection on his performance or the show’s quality.
What this means now
- The current season (and the 2025–2026 season) will include the final episodes leading up to the May finale.
- Colbert will likely pursue future projects in television or other media after the show ends, though no specific plans have been publicly detailed.
- If you’re a fan, you’ll want to watch for guest announcements and farewell-format episodes as CBS winds down the franchise.
Illustration: imagine a long-running late-night show completing a full circle with a multi-episode farewell arc, similar to other final-season send-offs where hosts thank fans, revisit classic clips, and spotlight memorable moments.
Citations
- CBS announced the show’s end as a financial decision due to the late-night advertising environment, with the final season slated for May 2026.[2]
- Stephen Colbert publicly acknowledged the four-month countdown to the final episode in January 2026, confirming the May finale.[3]
- Reports and coverage around the time of the announcement framed the move as ending the Late Show franchise, not a reflection on Colbert’s performance.[4][10]