CBS has officially decided to retire The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026, ending an era that began back in 2015 when Stephen Colbert took the reins from David Letterman. The network is adamant that the decision isn’t political or tied to the show’s performance just cold, hard finances.
In a formal statement, CBS declared Colbert “irreplaceable” and said it would be retiring the entire Late Show franchise rather than bringing in a new host. While that sounds like a loving farewell, it comes at a time when the entire late-night landscape is getting a shakeup. Many fans are suspicious about the real reason behind the cancellation.
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Colbert, never one to sugarcoat, broke the news directly to his studio audience, and their reaction said it all. Boos echoed through the theater as he explained that next season would be their last, and that CBS would be shelving the franchise entirely. “I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away,” Colbert told them, trying to maintain his signature mix of sincerity and sarcasm.
Despite the blow, Colbert expressed gratitude to CBS for the ride, calling the theater home and thanking audiences for sticking with him night after night.
Politics, Paramount, and a Cloud of Suspicion Behind Stephen Colbert Firing
Though CBS swears this has nothing to do with politics, it’s impossible to ignore the timing. Colbert’s show, known for its liberal leanings and sharp takedowns of Trump-era politics, has been a magnet for progressive voices and Democratic guests. Just last month, he welcomed socialist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on air, hardly a safe or centrist move according to Fox News reports.
With Paramount’s planned merger with Skydance Media looming and a desire for less political programming reportedly coming from Skydance CEO David Ellison, fans and politicians alike are raising eyebrows. Especially since Colbert had been vocal about his disapproval of Paramount’s decision to settle Donald Trump’s lawsuit over CBS’ handling of a 60 Minutes interview.
CBS may be calling it a “financial decision,” but the timing is way too convenient to ignore. As corporate shakeups loom and political tensions swirl behind the scenes, Colbert’s exit feels less like a retirement and more like a strategic unplug. One thing’s for sure. When The Late Show signs off in 2026, late night will lose more than a host. It’ll lose one of its sharpest, boldest voices.
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