Stephen Colbert’s final episode of “The Late Show” on CBS is set to air in early May 2026, closing out both his 10-season run and the 33-year “Late Show” franchise on the network.

Stephen Colbert's Final Day on “The Late Show” Revealed

📰 Quick Scoop

  • Final episode date: Early May 2026, at the end of the broadcast TV season.
  • What’s ending: Not just Colbert’s tenure, but CBS’s entire “Late Show” franchise after 33 years.
  • Reason given: CBS calls it a “purely financial decision” amid a tough late-night TV landscape, not about ratings or content.
  • Colbert’s reaction: Grateful but clearly not happy; he’s said he’s “not thrilled” about the end date.
  • Legacy: No. 1 in late night for nine seasons, a key voice in the Trump era and beyond.

When Is Stephen Colbert’s Final Day?

Colbert and CBS have confirmed that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will conclude in May 2026, aligned with the end of the broadcast season. Network executives have stated the show’s “historic run” will end at that time, retiring the “Late Show” brand entirely rather than bringing in a new host.

On a recent episode, Colbert revealed the specific timing of his last show, explaining to viewers that his final curtain call is just over four months away and that he’s “not thrilled with it.” That phrasing underlines that the date is driven by the network’s schedule rather than his personal desire to step away.

Why Is “The Late Show” Ending?

CBS has framed the cancellation as a business move driven by the changing economics of late-night TV. Despite Colbert maintaining the top-rated late- night spot for nine seasons and strong performance in its time slot, executives say the decision is “purely financial” amid broader industry pressures.

The network has emphasized that the move is not tied to Colbert’s ratings, content, or specific controversies, but rather the cost and shifting viewing habits in the streaming and on-demand era. This aligns with wider trends of networks rethinking traditional late-night formats as viewers migrate online.

How Did Colbert Announce It?

Colbert first broke the news to his studio audience by saying he had only found out “last night” that the next season would be his last. The audience reacted with boos and shouts of “No!”, and Colbert acknowledged that he shared their disappointment.

He stressed a few key points on air:

  • It’s “not just the end of our show, but the end of ‘The Late Show’ on CBS.”
  • He is “not being replaced,” underscoring that the franchise itself is being retired.
  • He expressed deep gratitude to CBS, his crew of roughly 200 people, and viewers who’ve been with him in the theater and at home.

In later comments about the specific final-episode date, he joked that he was “not thrilled” with how soon it comes, hinting that he might have preferred a longer runway or different timing.

Colbert’s Run and What Comes Next

Colbert took over “The Late Show” from David Letterman in 2015, shifting from his satirical persona on “The Colbert Report” to a more straightforward but still sharply political late-night host. Over ten seasons, his show leaned into politics, especially during the Trump years, becoming a major platform for Democratic politicians and liberal commentary.

Key points about his legacy:

  • #1 in late-night for nine straight seasons on broadcast.
  • Helped CBS dominate the late-night slot after Letterman’s departure.
  • Became a central cultural voice reacting to U.S. politics and news.

As for what Colbert will do after his final “Late Show” episode, nothing official has been announced yet. Fans on forums and social platforms are already speculating about possibilities—from a streaming project to a return to more overt political satire—but at this stage, it’s all guesswork.

Fan Reactions and Forum Buzz

Online discussions have been intense since the cancellation news and final- date reveal. On large forums, many users express frustration at what they see as a financially driven corporate move cutting down a still-successful show. Others are nostalgically sharing favorite monologues, interviews, and moments from his tenure.

Some recurring themes in the conversation:

  • Shock that a #1 show can still be canceled , reinforcing how much the business model of TV has shifted.
  • Hopes that Colbert might revive a “Colbert Report”-style format or launch something more flexible on a streaming or digital-first platform.
  • Concern for the show’s staff , with users pointing out that around 200 crew members are affected when a nightly institution like this ends.

“Modern businesses make snap decisions. It's no longer too quick.” – a representative sentiment from forum threads discussing how fast big media pivots now.

Mini Timeline of Key Moments

  • 2015: Colbert takes over “The Late Show” from David Letterman on CBS.
  • 2016–2024: The show becomes heavily political, especially during and after the Trump presidency, and rises to #1 in late night.
  • July 2025: CBS announces it will end “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in May 2026 for financial reasons.
  • Late January 2026: Colbert publicly reveals the exact date for his final episode, saying he’s “not thrilled” with it.
  • May 2026 (upcoming): Final “Late Show” episode airs, closing the book on 33 years of the franchise on CBS.

TL;DR

Stephen Colbert’s final day on “The Late Show” will be in May 2026, at the end of the broadcast season, marking both the end of his 10-season run and the shutdown of CBS’s “Late Show” franchise—for financial, not ratings, reasons. Colbert has been candid that he’s not exactly thrilled with the timing, but he’s using these last months to say goodbye to the audience and team that made the show a late-night powerhouse.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.