CBS announced today that they will be canceling the popular late-night talk show, “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in May 2026. The news has sparked mixed reactions from fans, with many expressing puzzlement and anger over the decision.
The show, which has been running since 2015, has become a staple in the late-night television landscape. Hosted by comedian and political commentator Stephen Colbert, the show has gained a loyal fan base and critical acclaim for its satirical take on current events and politics.
The decision to end the show comes after a decline in ratings and viewership in recent years. According to CBS, the show’s viewership has dropped by 20% since its peak in 2017. The network also cited financial reasons for the cancellation, stating that the cost of producing the show was no longer sustainable.
Colbert, who has been the face of the show since its inception, expressed his gratitude to CBS for giving him the opportunity to host the show. In a statement, he said, “I have had the most amazing time hosting this show and am incredibly grateful to CBS for giving me this platform. I will always be proud of the work we have done here.”
The show’s fans, known as “Colbert Nation,” took to social media to share their disappointment and frustration over the news. Many expressed their love for the show and its host, with some even starting a petition to save the show.
One fan tweeted, “I can’t believe CBS is canceling #LateShow! This show has been a source of laughter and sanity during these crazy times. Shame on you, CBS!” Another wrote, “I’ve been watching #LateShow since day one and I can’t imagine my nights without it. This is a huge loss for late-night television.”
The cancellation also raised questions about the future of late-night talk shows on CBS. “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was the only late-night talk show on the network, with the other major networks each having at least two shows. Some fans speculated that this could be a cost-cutting measure for the network.
However, CBS has announced that they will be launching a new late-night show with James Corden, who currently hosts “The Late Late Show” on the network. The show is set to air in the same time slot as “Late Show” and will feature a similar format.
The news of the show’s cancellation has also sparked speculation about Colbert’s next move. The comedian has a contract with CBS until 2023, but it is unclear if he will continue to work with the network in a different capacity.
CBS has assured fans that they still have a few more years of “Late Show” before it comes to an end. Until then, fans can continue to tune in to watch Colbert’s witty monologues and hilarious skits.
In the ever-changing landscape of late-night television, the cancellation of “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” serves as a reminder of the challenges and pressures that networks face. As for now, fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for the beloved host and his iconic show.