Story perspectives

CBS Cancels Colbert's Late Show, Replaces with Allen's Comics Unleashed

5/7/2026

Summary

CBS Cancels Colbert

CBS canceled Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” and will replace it with Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed” on May 22, 2026, with Colbert’s final episode airing May 21, 2026 at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT.
The one-year deal lets Allen Media Group cover all costs, creating a zero-cost slot that Chair George Cheeks says will be profitable, and it will air “Comics Unleashed” twice nightly with “Funny You Should Ask” at 12:35 a.m. ET/PT while controlling advertising.

Summary

Obama Shades Trump

Barack Obama sat down with Stephen Colbert at the Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago to discuss the finale and a possible presidential run.
Evie McGee Colbert joined Stephen Colbert on set during his last two weeks.
Sally Field, John Krasinski and Chris Stapleton were slated for the final stretch.
Social-media commenters praised Obama’s shade of U.S. President Donald Trump, calling him “King of shade”.

History

Historical Context

After CBS spent $4 million to buy and remodel the Ed Sullivan Theater and offered David Letterman a $14 million-per-year contract in 1993, the network finally entered late-night competition, ending years of movies and failed shows. Stephen Colbert took over in 2015, but CBS announced the franchise’s end on July 17 2025, with the final episode slated for May 21 2026, closing a 33-year run.

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CBS Cancels Colbert

CBS canceled Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show” and will replace it with Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed” on May 22, 2026, with Colbert’s final episode airing May 21, 2026 at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT.
The one-year deal lets Allen Media Group cover all costs, creating a zero-cost slot that Chair George Cheeks says will be profitable, and it will air “Comics Unleashed” twice nightly with “Funny You Should Ask” at 12:35 a.m. ET/PT while controlling advertising.

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