Stephen Colbert signed off as the host of The Late Show on Thursday night, ending his tenure with the CBS program [1].

Colbert's departure marks the conclusion of a significant era in American late-night comedy. For more than a decade, his program served as a primary venue for political satire and celebrity interviews, influencing the cultural conversation surrounding U.S. politics and entertainment.

The series finale aired on May 21, 2026 [2]. During the broadcast, Colbert said, "Stephen Colbert is officially signing off" [3]. The program was filmed at CBS Television City in Los Angeles [4].

Colbert hosted the show for 11 years [1]. His run was characterized by a sharp focus on current events and a frequent adversarial relationship with political figures. Following the finale, Donald Trump said, "Finally finished" [5].

While Colbert departs the stage, the timeslot will continue. A comedian tasked with taking over the slot said Colbert was a "phenomenal human being" [6].

The transition comes as the late-night landscape continues to shift toward digital platforms and shorter-form content. Despite these trends, Colbert maintained a consistent presence on the CBS network throughout his 11-year run [1].

“"Stephen Colbert is officially signing off."”

Colbert's exit represents more than just a cast change; it signals the end of a specific style of high-frequency, politically charged monologue that dominated the 2010s and early 2020s. As networks grapple with declining linear viewership, the replacement of a long-term anchor like Colbert provides CBS an opportunity to pivot the format of the timeslot to attract a younger, streaming-centric audience.