Full Breakdown
The Future of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: A Thanksgiving Hiatus and Impending Cancellation
11/25/2025, 2:06:53 PM
Thanksgiving Week Reruns
Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" will not air new episodes during the week of Thanksgiving, as CBS has announced that the show will feature reruns of episodes that originally aired within the last month. The lineup includes interviews with notable figures such as political journalist Jonathan Karl, actress Demi Moore, and actor Tom Hanks, among others. This hiatus comes as the network prepares for the show's eventual conclusion, scheduled for May 2026.
Impending Cancellation
In July 2023, CBS confirmed that "The Late Show" would end its run, citing financial reasons amid a challenging landscape for late-night television. The network emphasized that the cancellation was not a reflection of the show's performance or content. This decision coincided with CBS's ongoing merger with Skydance, which required government approval. David Letterman, who previously hosted the show, suggested that the merger may have influenced the decision to cancel.
Official Statements & Responses
CBS has stated that the decision to conclude "The Late Show" was purely financial, dismissing any connections to the show's content or performance. Colbert himself expressed uncertainty about the reasons behind the cancellation, noting that some speculate it may be an effort to appease former President Donald Trump, especially in light of CBS's financial settlement with Trump over a lawsuit deemed meritless by Paramount's own legal team.
Criticism & Opposition
Colbert has voiced concerns regarding the implications of CBS's financial dealings, particularly the $16 million settlement with Trump. He remarked, "It is self-evident that that is damaging to the reputation of the network, the corporation, and the news division." This statement reflects a broader criticism of corporate decisions that may prioritize financial stability over journalistic integrity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They don't want any trouble along the lines of freedom of the press or free speech or freedom of expression. They don't want to get their hands dirty,” — Stephen Colbert, Comedian and Host
- “I can understand why people would have that reaction because CBS or the parent corporation decided to cut a check for $16 million to the president of the United States over a lawsuit that their own lawyers, Paramount's own lawyers, said is completely without merit,” — Stephen Colbert, Comedian and Host
What's Next
As "The Late Show" approaches its final episodes, viewers can expect to see a series of reruns leading up to Thanksgiving. The show's conclusion in May 2026 will mark the end of an era for late-night television, leaving questions about the future of CBS's late-night programming and its impact on the industry.
