Why Is Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’ Ending? Cancellation Explained

It’s the end of an era in late night television.

Stephen Colbert surprised fans when he announced that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will come to an end in May 2026.

“Before we start the show, I want to let you know something that I found out just last night,” Colbert, 61, shared during the Thursday, July 17, taping of his CBS show. “Next year will be our last season, the network will be ending The Late Show in May.”

As the studio audience began to express their disappointment by booing, Colbert said, “I share your feelings.”

“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,” he said. “This is all just going away. I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners … And I’m grateful to the audience, you, who have joined us every night, in here, out there, and all around the world.”

While Colbert will continue with the show until May 2026 with nearly 200 crew members, many are curious to learn more about why The Late Show was suddenly canceled.

Keep reading to see the possible explanations for the show’s big announcement:

What CBS Said About The Late Show’s Cancelation

When confirming the end of The Late Show, CBS released a statement noting that the decision was purely a “financial” one and is not “related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”

“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time,” the statement read. “We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”

What Fellow Late Night Hosts Said About The Late Show’s Cancelation

Jimmy Kimmel showed his support for Colbert by sharing his announcement online.

“Love you Stephen,” he wrote via his Instagram Story. “F*** you and all your Sheldons CBS.”

Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen also expressed his disappointment while attending the Las Culturistas Culture Awards in Los Angeles.

“I think it’s a sad day for late night television,” he told Deadline on Thursday. “I think it’s a sad day for CBS. I think Stephen Colbert is a singular talent. He’s going to have an incredible next chapter. I can’t believe CBS is turning off the lights at 11:30 after the local news. I’m stunned. He’s one of three late night shows deemed worthy enough for an Emmy nomination. He produces a brilliant show.”

Both Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon praised Colbert not only as a late night host, but as a friend too.

“For as great a comedian and host he is, @StephenatHome is an even better person,” Meyers, 51, wrote via his Instagram Story on Friday, July 18. “I’m going to miss having him on TV every night.”

Fallon, 50, added, “I’m just as shocked as everyone. Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come. … He’s really been a gentleman and a true friend over the years.”

What Washington, D.C. Said About The Late Show’s Cancellation

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren expressed her concerns about The Late Show suddenly ending.

“CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump — a deal that looks like bribery,” Warren, 76, claimed on X. “America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons.”

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders shared the same sentiment when he wrote via X, “CBS’s billionaire owners pay Trump $16 million to settle a bogus lawsuit while trying to sell the network to Skydance. Stephen Colbert, an extraordinary talent and the most popular late night host, slams the deal. Days later, he’s fired. Do I think this is a coincidence? NO.”

Could President Donald Trump Be Behind The Late Show’s Cancellation?

The last episode of The Late Show will air six months before the 2026 midterm elections.

The show’s cancellation announcement also comes three days after Colbert called out Paramount, CBS’s parent company, for settling what he called “a nuisance lawsuit” brought by President Donald Trump.

In the suit, Trump, 79, alleged that 60 Minutes had unfairly edited an interview of former Vice President Kamala Harris. Paramount reportedly agreed to pay Trump $16 million, something the late night host called “a big fat bribe” in his monologue.

“I absolutely love that Colbert got fired,” Trump posted to his Truth Social platform on Friday. “His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!”