Stephen Colbert aired the final episode of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on May 21, 2026 [1].
The conclusion of the program marks the end of a 33-year franchise [3] and signals a significant shift in the landscape of U.S. late-night television.
Filmed at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, the finale featured a series of high-profile guest appearances [4]. Sir Paul McCartney joined Colbert for a performance of the Beatles' song "Hello, Goodbye" [5]. Actor Ryan Reynolds also appeared during the final broadcast to bid farewell to the host [2].
CBS cancelled the series following an announcement made on July 17, 2025 [2]. The decision ended the long-running franchise that had become a staple of the network's nightly schedule [4].
Colbert hosted approximately 1,800 episodes during his tenure [2]. He took over the role in 2015, leading the show for about 11 years before the network's decision to terminate the program [2].
The final segment focused on a farewell to the audience, and the staff of the Ed Sullivan Theater. The broadcast served as the definitive conclusion to the Late Show brand as it has existed for over three decades [3].
“The Late Show ran for 33 years.”
The cancellation of The Late Show reflects a broader industry trend where traditional network broadcasters are reducing investment in expensive, linear late-night talk shows. As viewership shifts toward digital clips and streaming, the end of a 33-year franchise suggests that the traditional nightly monologue and guest format is losing its viability as a primary revenue driver for networks like CBS.
