Stephen Colbert hosts "The Late Show" one last time tonight as ...
"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert is marking the end of an iconic late-night franchise on CBS.
www.cbsnews.comHere’s the latest on Stephen Colbert’s final show:
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is scheduled to end on May 21, 2026, marking the conclusion of its long-running run on CBS. This was publicly announced by CBS officials and Colbert himself earlier in the year.
- The network described the cancellation as a financial decision amid challenges in the late-night landscape, rather than a reflection on Colbert’s performance or content. Colbert’s departure ends a 33-year era of the franchise on CBS.
- The finale week has featured high-profile guests and special moments; for example, the penultimate show included a performance by Bruce Springsteen, and recent installments have included guests like Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg, and David Byrne. The final episode will have an extended runtime with a secrecy around the last guests.
- Pundit and press coverage highlights that reactions to the ending are mixed, with some critics noting political optics given Colbert’s outspoken views, while others frame it as a business decision in a challenging market.
If you’d like, I can pull a compact timeline of the key dates and confirm the finale guests as they’re officially announced, or summarize what Colbert has said about his plans after The Late Show.