Stephen Colbert hosts "The Late Show" one last time tonight as franchise ends after 33 years
"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert is marking the end of an iconic late-night franchise on CBS.
www.cbsnews.comHere’s the latest I can share about Stephen Colbert’s final show:
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is scheduled to end in May 2026. CBS announced the franchise would be retired, citing financial considerations tied to a challenging late-night advertising climate. Colbert’s final broadcast occurred on May 21, 2026, marking the end of his run after more than a decade as host.[3][4][5]
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Prominent guests and colleagues participated in the farewell week, reflecting on Colbert’s impact and the show’s 30-plus-year late-night history. CBS characterized the cancellation as purely financial, though some critics suggested political factors and industry dynamics played a role in the decision.[5][3]
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After the finale, Colbert discussed his plans and addressed rumors about what comes next. He emphasized he would take time to consider future projects and described the end of The Late Show as an opportunity to pursue other interests rather than a definitive end to his career in television or entertainment.[7][10]
Would you like a concise timeline of the key moments surrounding the finale, or a list of notable guests who appeared in the farewell episodes? I can also pull short quotes from coverage if you want.
Citations:
- The final date and CBS’s rationale:[4][5]
- Confirmation of final broadcast date and farewell coverage:[3]
- Post-finale comments and future plans:[10][7]