CBS announced Thursday that it will end Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” after the upcoming TV season, citing a “financial decision.”
The cancellation marks the end of a long tradition of original late-night programming on CBS, a legacy that began in 1993 when the network lured David Letterman away from NBC, according to Variety. CBS executives explained that the decision is rooted in the growing economic pressures facing the industry.
“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire ‘The Late Show’ franchise’ in May of 2026,” CBS executives said in a statement, Variety reported. “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. This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
