Stephen Colbert is leaving The Late Show after CBS cancelled the program, with the final episode airing Thursday night [3].
Colbert's departure marks the end of a significant era in American late-night television, blending political satire with celebrity interviews. The move reflects broader shifts in network broadcasting and the evolving relationship between political figures and media critics.
The host will appear behind his CBS desk in New York for the final time this week [2]. The program has a total run of 33 years [4], and Colbert himself hosted the show for 11 seasons [1]. CBS first announced the cancellation in July 2025 [5].
CBS said economic reasons drove the decision to cancel the series [6]. However, the move has sparked debate regarding political influence. Some observers and Colbert said they are skeptical that the repeated criticism of the show from President Donald Trump was not a factor [7].
Despite the cancellation, the program continued to receive critical acclaim. The Late Show won an Emmy in 2025 after the network had already decided to end the series [8].
Colbert's tenure was defined by a sharp focus on the U.S. political landscape. The curtain is coming down on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," according to a summary of the events [9].
“The curtain is coming down on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."”
The cancellation of The Late Show signals a potential decline in the viability of the traditional network late-night format, which faces stiff competition from digital streaming and social media. Furthermore, the speculation regarding President Trump's influence suggests a continuing tension between the executive branch and satirical media, highlighting the precarious position of political comedy within corporate broadcast structures.
