“It’s the End of an Era”: Stephen Colbert to Say Goodbye to The Late Show

The room fell silent on July 17th as Stephen Colbert looked into the eyes of his studio audience and said the words no one expected:

“It’s not just the end of our show—it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS.”

After nearly a decade behind the desk, Colbert will step away in May 2026—bringing The Late Show franchise to a close with him. And just like that, a chapter in late-night television history will end.

What makes the announcement more shocking is that it wasn’t about ratings or relevance. In fact, The Late Show has led the late-night pack for nine consecutive seasons. Instead, CBS cited budget concerns—emphasizing this decision had nothing to do with Colbert’s performance or popularity.

And yet, Colbert took the news with characteristic grace.

He thanked his 200-person team. He called CBS “great partners.” And he left the audience with a reminder of what made this show more than just entertainment: its heart, its honesty, and its fearless voice during some of America’s most turbulent years.

Since stepping into David Letterman’s shoes in 2015, Colbert transformed the show into something uniquely his own—a platform that fused sharp political satire, thoughtful interviews, and much-needed cultural perspective. Through elections, pandemics, protests, and everything in between, Colbert didn’t just comment on the world. He helped people process it.

The news of the show’s end lit up social media, with fans and celebrities alike expressing sadness, gratitude, and nostalgia. But Colbert isn’t fading away. He’ll continue working with CBS, including as executive producer of After Midnight, a quirky new late-night game show hosted by Taylor Tomlinson.

As the countdown begins to the final curtain call, one thing is certain: Stephen Colbert redefined what late-night could be. He made people laugh, think, cry—and sometimes, all three at once.

And in 2026, when he signs off for the last time, millions will be watching. Not because they’re saying goodbye to a show.

But because they’re saying thank you—to a man who helped them feel less alone in a chaotic world.