Story perspectives

CBS Cancels Stephen Colbert’s Late Show, Ends Letterman Era

5/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States cancelled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, ending the CBS franchise started by David Letterman.
Colbert’s final episode aired May 21 and attracted 6.74 million live and same-day viewers, the highest weeknight rating.
Paramount said the axing, announced three weeks before David Ellison assumed control, was a purely financial decision unrelated to performance.
Judd Apatow wrote a Rolling Stone essay urging continued late-night TV to humorously address dark news.

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Story summary

The United States cancelled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, ending the CBS franchise started by David Letterman.
Colbert’s final episode aired May 21 and attracted 6.74 million live and same-day viewers, the highest weeknight rating.
Paramount said the axing, announced three weeks before David Ellison assumed control, was a purely financial decision unrelated to performance.
Judd Apatow wrote a Rolling Stone essay urging continued late-night TV to humorously address dark news.