Stephen Colbert has announced he’ll step down as host of The Late Show in May 2026, marking the end of both his 10-year run and the show’s era on CBS. “It’s not just the end of our show—it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS,” he told his audience on July 17.
Despite leading late-night ratings for nine seasons, CBS says the show will not continue with a new host due to financial constraints—not performance.
Colbert thanked his 200-person team and praised CBS for their support. Since taking over in 2015, he’s been known for mixing political satire, heartfelt moments, and cultural commentary.
While fans and celebrities are saddened by the news, Colbert isn’t going far—he’ll stay with CBS, producing new projects including After Midnight, a late-night game show hosted by Taylor Tomlinson.
As the final season nears, Colbert’s legacy as a thoughtful, funny, and fearless voice in late-night TV is already being celebrated.
