Stephen Colbert taped the final episode of The Late Show on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City [1].
The series finale marks the end of a prominent era in late-night television following the decision by CBS to cancel the program [2].
The final taping featured coverage both inside the studio and on the street in front of the theater [3]. During the broadcast, Colbert expressed his gratitude to the audience. "Thank you for letting me be a part of this amazing journey. It’s been an honor," Colbert said [4].
Colbert's tenure lasted 11 seasons [5]. The cancellation of the show was previously announced in July 2025 [6].
The event drew support from other late-night hosts. Jimmy Kimmel announced on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, that his own program would not air the following night [7]. "We will go dark on Thursday out of respect for our colleague and friend, Stephen," Kimmel said [7].
The departure of Colbert is seen as a significant shift in the media landscape. An industry analyst said the exit marks the end of an era for late-night television [8].
“"Thank you for letting me be a part of this amazing journey. It’s been an honor."”
The cancellation of The Late Show after 11 seasons reflects a broader transition in how audiences consume political satire and late-night entertainment. As networks move away from traditional linear formats, the departure of a cornerstone host like Colbert signals a potential pivot in CBS's programming strategy and the overall viability of the traditional late-night talk show model.
