Full Breakdown
Barack Obama to Appear on Stephen Colbert’s Final Late Show Episode
4/25/2026, 2:29:12 PM
Obama’s Final Late-Night Interview Set for May 5
Barack Obama will sit for a televised interview on *The Late Show* with Stephen Colbert on May 5, 2026. The conversation will be broadcast from the newly built Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, marking the host’s penultimate interview before the show ends on May 21.
Background: Show Cancellation and Center Opening
*The Late Show* with Stephen Colbert is slated to conclude on May 21, 2026 after CBS announced the series’ cancellation, citing an estimated $40 million annual loss. The Obama Presidential Center, a 19.3-acre campus, is set to open June 19, 2026.
Timeline of Announcements and Milestones
April 23, 2024 – Colbert announces Obama interview on *The Late Show*.
March 28, 2024 – Obama co-hosts Biden fundraiser with Colbert and Bill Clinton.
May 5, 2026 – Interview airs from Chicago.
May 21, 2026 – Final *Late Show* episode.
June 19, 2026 – Obama Center opens to the public.
Data & Statistics
The Obama Presidential Center occupies 19.3 acres and will house a museum, library, community facilities, and the nonprofit Obama Foundation. Obama has appeared six times on Colbert’s programs—three on *The Colbert Report* and two prior *Late Show* interviews. CBS reports a $40 million yearly deficit for *The Late Show*.
Why It Matters: Media, Politics, and Public Engagement
The interview provides a platform to promote the Center’s civic mission while marking the end of a decade-long partnership between a former president and a late-night host. It also occurs amid heightened tensions with President Donald Trump, who has publicly attacked Colbert.
Official Statements & Responses
Colbert announced the interview on his April 23 broadcast, describing it as a “quick but exciting announcement.” The Obama Foundation’s Instagram reply read, “Couch booked. Volume up. Ready to go.” CBS said the cancellation was “purely a financial decision” and called Colbert “irreplaceable.”
Criticism & Opposition
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social praising the show’s termination, calling Colbert a “pathetic trainwreck” and urging CBS to “put him to sleep.” Industry figures, including David Letterman, have criticized CBS’s cost-cutting rationale as politically motivated.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
CBS attributes the series’ end to a $40 million annual loss, while critics argue the decision may serve political interests, citing Paramount’s merger with Skydance and alleged attempts to appease Trump. No definitive evidence confirms either motive.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Folks, before we get started, I have a quick but exciting announcement,” — Stephen Colbert, Host
- “Couch booked. Volume up. Ready to go.” — Obama Foundation, Instagram
- “not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.” — CBS press release
- “I absolutely love that Colbert’ got fired,” — President Donald Trump, Truth Social
- “They don’t want to spend any money, so they’re going to make money.” — David Letterman, commentary
What’s Next
The interview will air May 5, followed by *The Late Show*’s final episode on May 21. The Obama Presidential Center opens June 19, and CBS will fill the 11:35 p.m. slot with Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed” starting May 22.
