The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Share this @internewscast.com

In a shocking move, CBS is ending The Late Show with Stephen Colbert next year, potentially exiting the late-night television business altogether.

The cancellation will take effect in May 2026, the normal end of the broadcast TV season, the network said.

The show airs in Australia on Network Ten at midnight.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
In a shocking move, CBS is ending The Late Show with Stephen Colbert next year. (CNN)

The move is particularly surprising because The Late Show is typically the highest-rated show in late-night.

The timing is likely to prompt inquiries, as it follows just two weeks after CBS’s parent company, Paramount, resolved a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against CBS News.

The settlement – and Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media – spurred speculation about Colbert’s future at CBS.

Colbert, after all, is one of the staunchest critics of Trump on television.

Colbert alluded to the online worrying about his fate when he returned from vacation on Monday night.

He criticized the Paramount settlement during a broadcast, comparing it to a “big fat bribe,” and humorously remarked that his new moustache would shield him from the corporation.

“Okay, okay, but how are they going to put pressure on Stephen Colbert… if they can’t find him?”

CBS, however, said in a statement that “this is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night”.

“It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”

Colbert shared the news at his show taping today.

This image courtesy of CBS show Prince Harry, left, with host Stephen Colbert during a taping of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. (Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via AP)
Colbert took the reins from David Letterman in 2015 and has interviewed hundreds of mega-famous guests, including Prince Harry. (AP)

“Next year will be our last season,” Colbert said as audible boos were heard in the studio audience.

“The network will be ending our show in May,” he said.

“It’s the end of The Late Show on CBS,” he added, going on to say, “This is all just going away.”

Colbert said he found out about the network’s decision “last night”.

“I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners,” Colbert said.

“I’m so grateful to the Tiffany network for giving me this chair and this beautiful theater to call home.

“And of course, I’m grateful to you, the audience, who have joined us every night in here, out there, all around the world.”

New York City, New York, USA - July 19, 2022: Daytime cityscape view of the Ed Sullivan Theater and marquee on Broadway in Manhattan, current home of the Late Night With Stephen Colbert Show.
The move is particularly surprising because The Late Show is typically the highest-rated show in late-night. (Getty)

Colbert, who took the reins from David Letterman in 2015, said, “I wish somebody else was getting it” after him.

The network ended James Corden’s Late Late Show in 2023.

At the time, executives said that 12.35am show had become unprofitable for CBS.

Colbert helped produce a replacement show, After Midnight, that ended earlier this year.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Albanese Applauds PNG’s Agreement on Historic Defense Deal

The Pukpuk treaty, named after the local word for crocodile, includes a…
Israeli military intercept and board several aid ships bound for Gaza, including Greta Thunberg's

Israeli Military Intercepts and Boards Multiple Gaza-Bound Aid Ships, Including One with Greta Thunberg

At least six Australians have been involved in the interception by Israel…

“Controversy Ignites Over the Lost Dogs Home’s Decision to Euthanize Puppies”

Victoria’s Lost Dogs Home has stood by its decision to euthanise a…

Unexpected Twist: Lunch Prep Takes a Surprising Turn as I Start Feeling Ill

Insight speaks with tech enthusiasts and abstainers, and those experiencing tech addictions…
Cars in traffic during dusk, showcasing headlights and city lights, with a blurred background reflecting urban life

The Headlight Mistake That Might Cost You $1,000

In 2025, many Australians will unknowingly drive with their high beams on,…
Suspect shot after four injured by vehicle and stabbing at UK synagogue

Suspect shot following vehicle and stabbing attack injuring four at British synagogue

Authorities are dealing with a “major incident” near a synagogue in northern…
Anthony Albanese and James Marape sign a defence communique.

“Australia Makes Historic Move in 70 Years, Delivers Significant Setback to China”

Australia and Papua New Guinea are on the brink of forming a…

Renowned Scientist and Conservationist Jane Goodall Passes Away at 91

Key Points Goodall revolutionized wildlife research, sparking public interest in her cherished…
US President Donald Trump keeps posting what appears to be an AI-generated video of a man in a sombrero and moustache — but why?

Why is Trump frequently sharing this misleading video of a man in a sombrero and mustache?

US President Donald Trump keeps posting what appears to be an AI-generated…
Johnny Gray

Beloved Washington Car Fanatic Tragically Dies in Terrible Accident

A WA grandfather is being remembered after the popular personality and car…
Chris Robertson has been identified as the 49-year-old found dead at a workshop on O'Sullivan's Beach Road in Lonsdale, an industrial suburb in Adelaide, yesterday.

Father Discovered Deceased in Workshop Due to ‘Deliberate Assault’

A father of two, whose body was discovered at an Adelaide workshop,…
Commonwealth Bank customers have been left unable to check their balances.

Commonwealth Bank Suffers Significant Disruption as Online Banking Services Crash

Commonwealth Bank is experiencing a significant outage, leaving some customers unable to…