Why Is The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Ending? Inside CBS’ ‘Agonizing Decision’ to Cancel the Beloved Program

CBS said that the “agonizing decision” to cancel ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ was “not related” to performance

‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.’.Credit : Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

On July 17, Stephen Colbert announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is coming to an end
Colbert replaced David Letterman as host in September 2015
CBS said the “agonizing decision” to cancel the Emmy-nominated show was “not related in any way to the show’s performance”

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is coming to an end.

During a July 17 taping, host Stephen Colbert announced that his late-night talk show The Late Show will end after 10 seasons. Colbert, who replaced David Letterman as host of The Late Show in September 2015, said he was “grateful” for being given a chair and a “beautiful theater to call home,” as well as his viewers from “all around the world.”

CBS’ cancellation comes just days after the talk show host criticized the network’s parent company, Paramount, for its July 3 $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump, who alleged that CBS News’ 60 Minutes deceptively edited an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, Paramount is in the midst of a merger with entertainment company Skydance — a deal that will need approval from the Trump administration.

In a statement from CBS shared with PEOPLE, the network said that the cancellation is “not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”

So, why is The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ending? Here’s what to know about its shocking cancellation.

Why is The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ending?

‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ on June 26, 2017.Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty

After Colbert shared the news with his audience, fans were left wondering why the show was being canceled, despite high ratings. (Just days before it was canceled, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Talk Series.)

CBS’ statement said it was “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night.”

“Our admiration, affection, and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonizing decision even more difficult,” the statement read. “Stephen has taken CBS late night by storm with cutting-edge comedy, a must-watch monologue and interviews with leaders in entertainment, politics, news and newsmakers across all areas.”

The network noted that his show had been “#1 in late night for nine straight seasons,” calling his broadcast a “staple of the nation’s zeitgeist.”

Will anyone replace Stephen Colbert on The Late Show?

Stephen Colbert at the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 12, 2022.Trae Patton/NBC via Getty

During his announcement, Colbert revealed that he was not being replaced, as The Late Show was ending in its entirety.

“It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced,” he said. “This is all just going away.”

Colbert went on to describe it as a “fantastic job,” adding, “I wish somebody else was getting it.”

When is the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert?

‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ on Oct. 26, 2017.Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty

Colbert shared that the network will be ending The Late Show in May, meaning the final episodes will air during the 2025-2026 TV season.

What has Stephen Colbert said about his departure?

Stephen Colbert on Feb. 16, 2025.NBC/Jamie McCarthy/NBC via Getty

During his July 17 broadcast, the crowd began booing just after Colbert announced the cancellation news. “Yeah, I share your feelings,” he responded.

After saying that CBS has been “great partners,” he shared a heartfelt message to the crowd about his past decade as host.

“I am extraordinarily, deeply grateful to the 200 people who work here,” he said. “We get to do this show for each other every day, all day, and I’ve had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you in front of this camera for the last 10 years.”

How has the public responded to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert‘s cancellation?

Andy Cohen attends Susan Lucci in Conversation with Andy Cohen for All My Children on Jan. 14, 2025, in New York City ; Jimmy Kimmel attends the 28th Annual UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation’s “Taste For A Cure” on May 2, 2025, in Beverly Hills, Calif.Stephanie Augello/Getty ; Tommaso Boddi/Getty

After Colbert posted his broadcast announcement on Instagram, messages of sorrow (and support!) flooded onto the platform by colleagues and fans alike.

Actress Rachel Zegler commented, “i am extremely sad. i adore you, stephen,” while Severance star Adam Scott added, “Love you Stephen. This is absolute b——-, and I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows. ✊😡💔.”

Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel re-posted Colbert’s announcement to his Instagram Stories, writing, “Love you Stephen.”

He also had a message for the network: “F— you and all your Sheldons CBS,” he wrote.

Jimmy Fallon also shared his disappointment on his Instagram Stories, writing, “I’m just as shocked as everyone. Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it.”

He continued, “I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come. … I’m sure whatever he does next will be just as brilliant.”

Talk show host Andy Cohen weighed in on the news to Deadline, saying, “I think it’s a sad day for late-night television.”

“I think it’s a sad day for CBS. I think Stephen Colbert is a singular talent. He’s going to have an incredible next chapter,” he said. “I can’t believe CBS is turning off the lights at 11:30 after the local news. I’m stunned. He’s one of three late-night shows deemed worthy enough for an Emmy nomination. He produces a brilliant show.”