'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' has been canceled—here's how to get tickets for the final season
CBS has announced it's canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after the 2025–2026 season, pulling the plug on what's been the most-watched late-night show for nearly a decade. The final episode is set for May 2026, but if you've ever dreamed of seeing Colbert live, the window's closing fast.
The decision came as a shock to many, including Colbert himself, who broke the news to a stunned studio audience last night. 'Next year will be our last season,' he said, met with boos and disbelief. 'This is all just going away.'
Why was The Late Show with Stephen Colbert canceled?
According to the New York Times, CBS insists the cancelation was 'purely a financial decision,' citing declining ad revenue and the high cost of producing nightly talk shows. Still, the timing raised eyebrows. The announcement came just weeks after CBS's parent company, Paramount, settled a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump —whom Colbert has consistently skewered—and while a controversial merger with Skydance Media awaits government approval. Some lawmakers have already suggested politics, not just profits, might be behind the decision.
Regardless of motive, the show's demise signals a broader shift. Late-night as we know it is shrinking. Shows are vanishing. Fewer are even submitted for Emmy consideration. And The Late Show, which was first launched by David Letterman in 1993, had become one of the last remaining standard-bearers of the format.
Colbert took over in 2015 and quickly found his stride during the Trump years, turning the show into a sharp-edged, news-forward juggernaut. Even with streaming dominating the media landscape, The Late Show maintained a loyal audience. That loyalty is now fueling demand for one last chance to see the show live.
How to get tickets to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Tickets are free and released via 1iota.com, typically on Thursdays for the following week's tapings. You'll need to create an account and request a date, though not all requests are granted.
If you're selected, you'll receive a confirmation email with details on arrival time, dress code and ID requirements. The show tapes from Monday through Thursday, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan to arrive early. Note: All audience members must be at least 16 years old.
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