Summary (tl;dr)

Keywords related to "Colbert last show" are trending because "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" aired its final episode on CBS on May 21, 2026, concluding an 11-year run and ending the 33-year "Late Show" franchise.

Essential Background

"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" premiered on CBS on September 8, 2015, with Stephen Colbert taking over from long-time host David Letterman. The program, taped at the historic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, quickly became known for Colbert's distinctive blend of humor, political satire, and thoughtful interviews, particularly his pointed criticisms of the Trump administration. For nine consecutive seasons, it maintained its position as the highest-rated American late-night talk show.

The Full Story

On July 17, 2025, CBS announced its decision to end "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and retire the entire "Late Show" franchise in May 2026, citing "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night." However, this explanation was met with skepticism by many, including Colbert himself, who suggested the timing might be related to his outspoken critiques of the Trump administration, especially following a large legal settlement involving CBS's parent company, Paramount.

The series finale aired on Thursday, May 21, 2026, as an extended episode, marking the end of an era for late-night television on CBS. The farewell broadcast featured a star-studded lineup of guests, with legendary musician Sir Paul McCartney appearing as the final guest. Other prominent figures like Elvis Costello and Jon Batiste also performed, while fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver made appearances in the final week to pay tribute to Colbert. David Letterman, the original "Late Show" host, was also a guest during the final shows.

Why It Matters

The cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" is significant as it concludes a 33-year run for the "Late Show" franchise on CBS, which began with David Letterman in 1993. Despite Colbert's show consistently leading in ratings, its ending highlights the evolving landscape of network television and the economic pressures influencing traditional late-night programming in the streaming era. Colbert's departure leaves a notable void in late-night commentary, particularly for those who relied on his show for political satire and critical insights during a tumultuous period in American politics. The vacated 11:35 p.m. ET/PT slot on CBS will now be filled by Byron Allen's "Comics Unleashed," signaling a shift away from traditional topical late-night talk shows for the network.

Geographic Location

• Ed Sullivan Theater, Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States (taping location of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and its series finale)