Fri 18 July 2025 9:29, UK

Stephen Colbert has responded to CBS axing The Late Show after a decade of his television programme being a nightly staple on the channel.

On July 17th, CBS confirmed that the popular talk show would not be renewed beyond the next season and that a different host would not replace Colbert in the slot, which is set to be vacated in 2026.

Paramount, the parent company of CBS, said in a statement: “This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”

Addressing the studio audience as well as those watching at home, Colbert said in the episode that aired on July 17th: “Before we start the show, I want to let you know something I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending The Late Show in May.”

Meanwhile, in a separate video statement posted to social media, Colbert said: “It’s not just the end of our show, it’s the end of ‘The Late Show’ on CBS.”

He continued: “I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away. And I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners. I’m so grateful to the Tiffany Network for giving me this chair and this beautiful theater to call home. And of course I’m grateful to you, the audience, who have joined us every night.”

CBS’ decision to drop the programme comes after James Corden decided to step away from The Late Late Show in 2023, which was later replaced by After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson, who walked away after 18 months to pursue different projects.

As a result of Colbert losing his programme, his late-night peer Jimmy Kimmel has already rushed to the comedian’s defence, writing on his Instagram Stories, “Love you Stephen. Fuck you and all your Sheldons CBS.”

The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air in May 2026.

Stephen ColbertTelevision

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