Canceling ‘The Late Show’ Is Bad News for Late-Night TV, Not for Stephen Colbert

The art form was already in decline; this may hasten its demise. But don’t fret about the host. His talents are better showcased elsewhere.

After the artistically ambitious “Colbert Report,” Stephen Colbert succeeded in the more conventional role of network talk-show host.Credit…Scott Kowalchyk/CBS

Getting canceled may end up being the best thing that ever happened to Stephen Colbert. The same cannot be said for its impact on late night television.

Consider that Conan O’Brien turned into a folk hero after NBC took away his time slot and that David Letterman hit the height of his popularity after he didn’t get the job as host of “The Tonight Show.” Until last week, Colbert, host of “The Late Show,” was the ratings leader of an art form in decline.

Then CBS, citing economic issues, announced that his program would go off the air next May, news that came at a time when its corporate parent, Paramount, needs the government’s approval for a merger with the Skydance company. Now Colbert, one of the most prominent critics of President Trump, seems to many like a comedic martyr. For the next 10 months, his show will have a spotlight in a way it never has before. He will not only have a chance to continue to make fun of the president, but he also will be setting himself up for his next act.

In a heartfelt announcement during a recent taping at the Ed Sullivan Theater, Stephen Colbert addressed the surprising decision by CBS to end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2026, marking the conclusion of a 33-year franchise. The news, which stunned fans and industry insiders alike, was met with boos from the live audience. Colbert, however, maintained his characteristic wit and composure, suggesting that the cancellation is a greater loss for CBS than for himself.

Colbert, who has hosted The Late Show since 2015 after succeeding David Letterman, expressed gratitude to CBS, calling them “great partners” and acknowledging the privilege of occupying “this chair and this beautiful theater.” He emphasized that the end of the show does not signify a personal setback but rather a missed opportunity for the network. “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away,” he said, underscoring the finality of the decision. His remarks suggest that CBS is relinquishing a cultural institution that has shaped late-night television for decades.

The comedian, known for his sharp political satire and incisive commentary, particularly targeting former President Donald Trump, framed the cancellation as a reflection of broader challenges in the late-night landscape. CBS cited “purely financial” reasons for the decision, pointing to the declining profitability of late-night programming in an era dominated by streaming platforms and fragmented audiences. Despite being the top-rated late-night show with approximately 2.4 million viewers across recent episodes, The Late Show has reportedly been losing millions annually, a trend that mirrors the struggles of other network talk shows. Colbert acknowledged these economic realities but maintained that the show’s legacy and impact transcend financial metrics.

Colbert’s perspective highlights his pride in the show’s achievements, including its nine consecutive seasons as the leading late-night program and its cultural resonance through viral monologues and high-profile interviews. “I’ve had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you for the last 10 years,” he told the audience, expressing deep appreciation for his 200-person team and loyal viewers. His comments suggest that CBS’s decision to retire the franchise, rather than retool or replace it, overlooks the show’s enduring value as a platform for comedy, political discourse, and community.

The timing of the cancellation, coming days after Colbert criticized CBS’s parent company, Paramount, for a $16 million settlement with Trump over a 60 Minutes interview, has fueled speculation about political motivations. While CBS insists the decision is unrelated to content or performance, Colbert’s remarks subtly challenge this narrative, framing the cancellation as a loss of a vital voice in late-night television. As he prepares for the final 10 months of The Late Show, Colbert remains focused on delivering “fun” with his “usual gang of idiots,” leaving CBS to grapple with the void left by its departure.