Liputan6.com, Jakarta The iconic late-night talk show, "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," will end its run in May 2026.
This surprising announcement came from CBS in mid-July 2025, marking the end of one of the most iconic shows on American television.
The decision was explicitly described by CBS as purely financial.
While "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" has been the number-one talk show in its time slot for several years, challenges faced by late-night programming overall, including declining ratings, were a major factor behind the decision.
Host Stephen Colbert was informed of the cancellation the day before the official announcement.
When he broke the news to his loyal audience, the reaction was one of jeers and boos, demonstrating how attached the audience was to the long-running program.
Colbert also confirmed that he would not be replaced, and that the show would end completely, bringing an end to "The Late Show" franchise on CBS after more than three decades.
Reasons Behind The Late Show's Cancellation
The cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" was driven by significant financial considerations.
The television industry is currently facing a major shift in viewing habits, with viewers increasingly turning to streaming platforms and digital content.
While Stephen Colbert's show has maintained its top spot in its time slot, the overall decline in late-night ratings has become a serious concern for CBS.
These financial challenges have prompted the network to re-evaluate its programming investments, including high-production programs like late-night talk shows.
CBS emphasized that this decision was not related to the performance of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" itself or internal issues at Paramount, CBS's parent company.
Rather, the move reflects the broader economic pressures facing traditional broadcasters in an ever-evolving and competitive media landscape.
Stephen Colbert and Fan Reaction
Stephen Colbert received the news of his show's cancellation the day before the public announcement, a moment that was undoubtedly difficult for the host who had dedicated years to the program.
The studio audience's reaction when Colbert delivered the news was one of deep disappointment, with boos and jeers clearly audible.
Colbert also specifically stated that there would be no replacement for him, and that "The Late Show" franchise would truly end.
This marked the end of an era for CBS, as "The Late Show" had been an integral part of their schedule for over thirty years, with numerous iconic hosts.
News of the cancellation quickly spread and sparked heated debate on social media.
Hashtags like "StephenColbertCancelled," "LateShowCancelled," and "ColbertShowEnding" quickly began trending, demonstrating the profound impact this decision had on his loyal fan base and the broader television community.
Many expressed sadness and disappointment at the loss of one of the most influential voices in late-night television.
Speculation and the Future of Late-Night Programming
While CBS stated that the decision to end "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" was purely financial and unrelated to performance, some speculate that other factors may have played a role.
Changing viewing habits, with viewers increasingly shifting from linear television to on-demand platforms, have drastically altered market dynamics.
Strategic cost-cutting by CBS's parent company, Paramount, is also suspected to be a factor behind the decision.
With Stephen Colbert's salary reportedly reaching $15 million per year, ending the program could be part of a larger financial restructuring effort within the company.
The cancellation of "The Late Show" also sparked further discussion about the future of late-night talk shows in general.
With an increasing number of entertainment options available, this traditional format may need to adapt or face existential challenges.
This decision could be an indicator of a broader trend in the television industry, where cost efficiency and content relevance are key to survival.