Story perspectives

Colbert's final Late Show airs, CBS loses $40 million.

5/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

CBS aired Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show episode on Thursday, May 21, 2026, ending his tenure as host.
The network reported a $40 million loss and a drop in nightly viewers from about 3.1 million in 2017 to roughly 1.3 million in 2025.
87 % of Colbert’s jokes targeted conservatives, including 3,639 about President Donald Trump, who called him a “total jerk,” while analysts said Trump ally David Ellison, CEO of Skydance Media, influenced the cancellation.

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Story summary

CBS aired Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show episode on Thursday, May 21, 2026, ending his tenure as host.
The network reported a $40 million loss and a drop in nightly viewers from about 3.1 million in 2017 to roughly 1.3 million in 2025.
87 % of Colbert’s jokes targeted conservatives, including 3,639 about President Donald Trump, who called him a “total jerk,” while analysts said Trump ally David Ellison, CEO of Skydance Media, influenced the cancellation.