Stephen Colberts Late Show to end after 10 seasons due to CBSs financial decision
According to PEOPLE, Colbert made the announcement during the show's taping on Thursday, July 17, at the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York.
Colbert, who took over the show in September 2015 after David Letterman retired, told the live audience that CBS had decided to end the program in May next year.
"Before we start the show, I want you to know something that I found out just last night," Colbert said during his opening monologue. "Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending The Late Show in May."
The audience responded with boos, to which Colbert replied, "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. And I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners," he added.
He went on to share that he feels extremely "grateful" to his team and fans. "I am extraordinarily, deeply grateful to the 200 people who work here. We get to do this show. 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."
"And let me tell you, it is a fantastic job. I wish somebody else was getting it, and it's a job that I'm looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months," said Colbert. "It's gonna be fun."
CBS later confirmed the news to PEOPLE, explaining their reason: "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."
"Our admiration, affection, and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonising decision even more difficult. 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 statement said.
"The show has been #1 in late night for nine straight seasons; Stephen's comedy resonates daily across digital and social media; and the broadcast is a staple of the nation's zeitgeist," the statement continued.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been a top performer in late-night television, leading the ratings for nine straight seasons. The final episodes will air during the 2025-2026 TV season. (ANI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
38 minutes ago
- Mint
Trump cheers Colbert's exit as CBS cancels ‘The Late Show', says 'Jimmy Kimmel is next'
Donald Trump has publicly praised CBS for its surprise decision to end 'The Late Show', which will conclude in May next year after a 33-year run. The cancellation has drawn attention across the political and media landscape, with Trump taking to his platform to gloat over Colbert's departure. "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert! Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show (sic)," Trump wrote. Stephen Colbert, who has hosted the flagship late-night programme since 2015, confirmed the news during Thursday night's taping, telling his audience, 'It's not just the end of the show, it is the end of the Late Show on CBS. I'm not being replaced, this is all just going away.' The announcement follows closely on the heels of Colbert's on-air criticism of CBS's parent company, Paramount Global, for settling a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump. The lawsuit stemmed from a heavily edited interview featuring then-vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The settlement was finalised while Paramount was seeking regulatory approval for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. Colbert condemned the settlement on air, calling it 'a big fat bribe.' He also expressed gratitude towards his viewers and production team, saying, 'Let me tell you, it is a fantastic job. I wish someone else was getting it. And it is a job I am looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months.' Colbert took over from David Letterman in 2015, following Letterman's 22-year tenure. While recent episodes have sparked controversy, The Late Show has remained a ratings leader in the late-night space throughout Colbert's time at the helm. CBS has not yet commented further on the show's closure or on the timing of its announcement following Colbert's public criticism of Paramount.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
'F**k you CBS...' Jimmy Kimmel Backs Stephen Colbert After 'The Late Show' Cancellation
Last Updated: The CBS leadership describes it as a 'purely financial decision', which has nothing to do with 'other matters happening at Paramount'. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is nearing its end. In a surprise announcement on July 17, CBS revealed its decision to put an end to the famous franchise featuring show host Stephen Colbert. The news has shocked many, including Jimmy Kimmel, who firmly stood by his friend after the tragic announcement. In an Instagram Story posted by Kimmel, he shared support for his friend, without mincing his words in his message to the CBS Network. 'Love you Stephen. And F**k you CBS and all your Sheldons," read the post. Notedly, his message was a subtle dig at the network which also hosted the show The Big Bang Theory, which had Sheldon Cooper as one of its main leads. According to the network, it has decided to shelve the show, with the final episode being aired in May 2026. While the CBS leadership describes it as a 'purely financial decision," which has nothing to do with 'other matters happening at Paramount," the fans refuse to agree. As per the fans of the show, this might be an attempt to shut the voices that make anti-Trump jokes or woke rants. This cancellation is alleged to be an unsaid warning for all late-night hosts that have often criticised the Trump administration. Colbert too confirmed the news on the Thursday episode, stating that this will be the last season for the show. He also clarified that he is not being replaced, but the network is scrapping the show altogether. The show was initially hosted by David Letterman, who left it to join The Late Show with David Letterma n with NBC in 1993. Colbert later took up his role as the host of the CBS show in 2015. Earlier, in 2023, CBS cancelled The Late Late Show featuring James Corden, stating that the time slot was no longer profitable for the network. This may mark an end to the late night show era for CBS. For Kimmel, whose contract is ending next year, it is yet to be seen if Disney renews his contract for Jimmy Kimmel Live. view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 20:57 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘I love that Colbert got fired': Trump applauds CBS decision to end ‘The Late Show'
US President Donald Trump on Friday expressed delight over CBS canceling 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' calling the decision long overdue and mocking Colbert's talent. 'I absolutely love that Colbert got fired,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'His talent was even less than his ratings.' The President also took jabs at ABC's Jimmy Kimmel and NBC's Jimmy Fallon while praising Fox News's Greg Gutfeld. 'I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert!' Trump added. 'Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show.' CBS announced it would end the Late Show entirely in May, next year, concluding a 33-year run. Colbert, who has hosted since 2015, told his audience during Thursday night's taping that the decision was final. 'It's not just the end of the show, it is the end of the Late Show on CBS. I'm not being replaced, this is all just going away,' he said, as the audience booed, The Guardian reported. The announcement came just days after Colbert criticised CBS's parent company, Paramount, for settling a $16 million lawsuit with Trump over an edited interview with then-candidate Kamala Harris. The settlement occurred while Paramount sought regulatory approval for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. As per The Guardian, Colbert called the deal 'a big fat bribe.' He also thanked his viewers and 200-strong crew: 'Let me tell you, it is a fantastic job. I wish someone else was getting it. And it is a job I am looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months.' Colbert succeeded David Letterman in 2015 after his 22-year run. Despite recent controversies, The Late Show has remained one of the most-watched programmes in late-night TV.
