The End of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert: A Complex Farewell

CBS has confirmed that "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" will air its final episode on May 21, 2025, marking the end of a franchise that has been a staple of late-night television for over three decades. The announcement comes six months after CBS revealed plans to retire the show at the conclusion of the current broadcast season. Stephen Colbert disclosed the cancellation during a taping of "Late Night With Seth Meyers," which will air the following day. CBS stated that the decision was purely financial and not a reflection of the show's performance or content.

Late Show With Stephen Colbert sets final episode date

The timing of the cancellation has raised eyebrows, particularly as it followed Colbert's criticism of CBS's corporate parent, Paramount Global, regarding a $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump over a lawsuit deemed by some legal experts as lacking merit. Colbert acknowledged that it is reasonable for people to speculate about a political motive behind the show's cancellation, especially given the corporate dynamics at play. He remarked, "It is self-evident that that is damaging to the reputation of the network," suggesting that the settlement could have influenced CBS's decision-making.

Late Show With Stephen Colbert sets final episode date

Colbert also noted that Trump's public celebration of the show's cancellation on social media has fueled speculation about political motivations. Trump expressed his approval on Truth Social, stating he "absolutely love[s] that Colbert got fired," further complicating the narrative surrounding the show's end.

Late Show With Stephen Colbert sets final episode date

Critics have voiced concerns that the cancellation may be linked to the pending merger of Paramount Global with Skydance Media, which required approval from the Trump administration. Former host David Letterman suggested that the show's cancellation could be a strategic move to avoid complications with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) during the merger process. Despite the controversy, Colbert has indicated that he will continue to critique the current administration, stating, "I have no plans to rein in my criticism of the sitting U.S. president."

Late Show With Stephen Colbert sets final episode date

While "The Late Show" concludes, other late-night hosts have secured their positions for the foreseeable future. Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Fallon have all signed contract extensions that will keep them on air through at least 2028, ensuring that the late-night landscape remains vibrant despite Colbert's departure.

Late Show With Stephen Colbert sets final episode date

CBS expressed pride in Colbert's contributions, stating, "He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television." The network emphasized that the cancellation was not related to the show's content or performance, but rather a financial decision amid a challenging landscape for late-night programming.

Late Show With Stephen Colbert sets final episode date

• "This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night." — CBS Statement

Late Show With Stephen Colbert sets final episode date

• "I can understand why people would have that reaction... to curry favor with a single individual." — Stephen Colbert

Late Show With Stephen Colbert sets final episode date

• "It is self-evident that that is damaging to the reputation of the network." — Stephen Colbert

Late Show With Stephen Colbert sets final episode date

• "I have no plans to rein in my criticism of the sitting U.S. president." — Stephen Colbert

Late Show With Stephen Colbert sets final episode date

The end of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" encapsulates a complex interplay of financial decisions, political dynamics, and the evolving landscape of late-night television.

Late Show With Stephen Colbert sets final episode date