Full Breakdown
Stephen Colbert Bids Farewell as CBS Ends The Late Show
5/25/2026, 11:36:29 AM
Final Broadcast Marks End of The Late Show
On Thursday, Stephen Colbert delivered the final episode of The Late Show from the Ed Sullivan Theater, concluding a franchise that had aired for nearly 33 years. Fans gathered in rain, with some traveling from across the United States and abroad to witness the last taping.
Background & Context
The Late Show had been a staple of CBS late-night programming since its debut at the Ed Sullivan Theater three decades ago. In the year before the finale, Paramount, CBS’s parent company, announced that budget constraints would drive the cancellation. Simultaneously, Paramount sought approval from the Trump administration for a major media merger, linking the franchise’s end to broader corporate restructuring.
Key Figures & Groups
The central individuals include Stephen Colbert, host for the final 11 years; President Donald Trump, who posted an online comment on the finale; Jimmy Kimmel, host of a competing late-night program who aired a special episode urging viewers to avoid CBS; and Paramount, the corporate entity overseeing CBS.
Data & Statistics
- The Late Show aired for nearly 33 years.
- Stephen Colbert hosted for 11 years.
- Audience members traveled from across the country and around the world to attend the final taping.
Official Statements & Responses
Paramount cited budget concerns as the primary reason for ending the franchise. President Donald Trump posted an online comment expressing relief at the show’s conclusion. Stephen Colbert did not respond to the comment during his sign-off. Jimmy Kimmel aired a special episode on Thursday encouraging viewers to avoid CBS programming.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans questioned the timing of the cancellation, expressing doubt that budget constraints alone justified ending a 33-year franchise. President Trump’s online remark and Jimmy Kimmel’s urging of viewers not to watch CBS illustrate public criticism of the decision.
Why It Matters
The termination ends a three-decade presence in American late-night television and signals a shift in CBS’s programming strategy. It coincides with Paramount’s pursuit of a major media merger, suggesting potential realignment in the broadcast sector.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Thank goodness he’s finally gone.” — President Donald Trump, online comment
- “I said, anyone can read the news to you.” — Stephen Colbert, final broadcast
- “We love doing this show for you, but what we really, really love is doing the show with you.” — Stephen Colbert, final broadcast
- “Now, I’ll say to you what I’ve said to every audience for the last 11 years, and I have meant it every time.” — Stephen Colbert, final broadcast
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source does not provide the specific budget figures that guided Paramount’s decision, nor does it detail the terms of the proposed media merger. No additional official response from CBS beyond Paramount’s statement is included.
What’s Next
The sources do not specify the programming plan for CBS’s former late-night slot, leaving the network’s next steps unreported.
