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Stephen Colbert's Late Show Ends After 11 Seasons

5/18/2026

Summary

Colbert Finale

CBS will air The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s final episode on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The three nights before the finale presented a “Worst of The Late Show” marathon on May 18, interviews with Steven Spielberg and Jon Stewart on May 19, and Bruce Springsteen and a “Colbert Questionnaire” on May 20.
Other late-night programs, including Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, aired repeats on May 21, 2026.
The Late Show concluded its 11-season run with the May 21 finale.

Summary

CBS Cancels LateShow

CBS cancelled “The Late Show” after reporting $40 million annual losses.
Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which critics cite as motive for the abrupt termination.
Conan O'Brien warned the cancellation could signal the end of the traditional late-night format.
Stephen Colbert was announced as a writer for the upcoming Lord of the Rings sequel “Shadows Of the Past,” expanding his career beyond television.

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Colbert Finale

CBS will air The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s final episode on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The three nights before the finale presented a “Worst of The Late Show” marathon on May 18, interviews with Steven Spielberg and Jon Stewart on May 19, and Bruce Springsteen and a “Colbert Questionnaire” on May 20.
Other late-night programs, including Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, aired repeats on May 21, 2026.
The Late Show concluded its 11-season run with the May 21 finale.

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