The End of an Era: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Concludes Its Run
21 may 2026 в 19:37
Fans of Stephen Colbert are preparing to say goodbye to one of the most popular late-night shows. After more than a decade on CBS, «The Late Show with Stephen Colbert» is officially coming to an end, closing a chapter for the long-running franchise that was launched with David Letterman in 1993.
CBS has confirmed that the network will completely shut down the «Late Show» franchise following Colbert’s final episode. So, as fans stock up on tissues and prepare for Colbert’s last appearance on CBS, here’s everything you need to know about when and how to watch the final show.
CBS announced in the summer of 2025 that «The Late Show with Stephen Colbert» would conclude after the 2025−2026 television season. According to the network, this decision was «purely financial» amid the changing landscape of late-night television.
However, the cancellation of the show has sparked significant debate online, with some fans and public figures questioning whether politics played a role in CBS’s decision. Colbert has long been known for his outspoken criticism of Donald Trump on air, which has fueled speculation about the timing of the show’s conclusion. CBS has denied these rumors.
«No. There will be no new host for 'The Late Show,'» Colbert explained to his audience when announcing the news last summer.
Nonetheless, Byron Allen’s «Comics Unleashed» will take over Colbert’s evening slot in the future.
The final episode of «The Late Show» with Stephen Colbert is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:35 PM Eastern Time.
In anticipation of the finale, numerous stars and notable public figures have appeared on the show, including former President Barack Obama. Moreover, fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver have visited Colbert to pay tribute to their friend.
New episodes of «The Late Show with Stephen Colbert» air on weekdays on CBS. Fans can also stream episodes on Paramount+ after they air. Clips from Colbert’s show are also available on the official «Late Show» YouTube channel.
Paramount+ offers a premium subscription for watching the final episode of «The Late Show» live. Other options include subscriptions to YouTube TV, DirecTV, or Hulu + Live TV
CBS has confirmed that the network will completely shut down the «Late Show» franchise following Colbert’s final episode. So, as fans stock up on tissues and prepare for Colbert’s last appearance on CBS, here’s everything you need to know about when and how to watch the final show.
CBS announced in the summer of 2025 that «The Late Show with Stephen Colbert» would conclude after the 2025−2026 television season. According to the network, this decision was «purely financial» amid the changing landscape of late-night television.
However, the cancellation of the show has sparked significant debate online, with some fans and public figures questioning whether politics played a role in CBS’s decision. Colbert has long been known for his outspoken criticism of Donald Trump on air, which has fueled speculation about the timing of the show’s conclusion. CBS has denied these rumors.
«No. There will be no new host for 'The Late Show,'» Colbert explained to his audience when announcing the news last summer.
Nonetheless, Byron Allen’s «Comics Unleashed» will take over Colbert’s evening slot in the future.
The final episode of «The Late Show» with Stephen Colbert is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:35 PM Eastern Time.
In anticipation of the finale, numerous stars and notable public figures have appeared on the show, including former President Barack Obama. Moreover, fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver have visited Colbert to pay tribute to their friend.
New episodes of «The Late Show with Stephen Colbert» air on weekdays on CBS. Fans can also stream episodes on Paramount+ after they air. Clips from Colbert’s show are also available on the official «Late Show» YouTube channel.
Paramount+ offers a premium subscription for watching the final episode of «The Late Show» live. Other options include subscriptions to YouTube TV, DirecTV, or Hulu + Live TV
© Kolganov Andrey
