Stephen Colbert Bids Farewell To 'The Late Show' As It Is Canceled After 10 Years

Stephen Colbert told viewers that CBS decided to halt production and cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in an emotional announcement on Friday, July 17, putting an end to a ten-year reign in late-night television. The popular comedian, who has hosted the show since 2015, announced that the show's final episode would air in May 2026, bringing to a close the 33-year-old late-night franchise that began with David Letterman in 1993.

Colbert, 61, shared a touching sentiment with his viewers, thanking them for the privilege of being on the show and for allowing him to see them every night. "It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS," Colbert said, noting that it wasn't about him being ousted but the network's decision to end such a beloved series. He also added that he was shocked to find out it was being canceled yesterday.

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As he mused on the show's impact, Colbert took a moment to thank the audience who had stuck with The Late Show as well. "I'm grateful to you, the audience, who have joined us," he said. "I'm grateful to share the stage with this band, these artists over here every night. And I am extraordinarily, deeply grateful to the 200 people who work here."

Its cancellation ends a late-night era, one that Colbert, in many ways, helped change, as the rare comedian whose humor, satire, and political analysis were indistinguishable from one another. Whether it's his irreverent wit or his piercing political commentary, Colbert's turn as host has made a significant impact on fans, cementing him as not just one of late-night TV's loudest voices but one of its most important. With only a few shows left to air until the end, The Late Show and Colbert's role in late-night television will undoubtedly be an important one in the history of television. Fans will likely watch an emotional and memorable sign-off, as would-be successors pay tribute, with the promise that Colbert, in character or out, will continue to entertain and reflect upon the adventure that has been his career in the years to come.