CBS has announced the conclusion of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” after ten seasons, marking the end of a significant chapter in late-night television history. The decision, which host Stephen Colbert revealed to his audience during a taping at the Ed Sullivan Theater on July 17, 2025, has generated widespread discussion about the future of traditional late-night programming.
The Announcement
During Thursday’s taping, Colbert addressed his audience with a mix of gravity and characteristic humor, informing them of the network’s decision. “I want you to know something that I found out just last night,” Colbert began. “Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending the ‘Late Show’ in May.”
The audience’s immediate reaction of disappointment was palpable, with audible expressions of dismay filling the historic theater. Colbert acknowledged their response while providing additional context about the decision’s scope. “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,” he clarified, indicating that the network would not continue the franchise beyond his tenure.
Network Partnership and Gratitude
Despite the disappointing news, Colbert expressed appreciation for his relationship with CBS throughout his decade-long run. He characterized the network as “great partners” and reflected on the collaborative nature of the production process. His comments highlighted the extensive team effort required to produce the daily show, acknowledging the approximately 200 staff members who contribute to the program’s success.

I am extraordinarily, deeply grateful to the 200 people who work here,” Colbert stated. “We get to do this show. We get to do this show for each other every day, all day, and I’ve had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you in front of this camera for the last 10 years.”
The host’s remarks underscored the personal investment and daily commitment required to maintain a successful late-night television program, emphasizing the collaborative effort that extends far beyond the on-camera presence.
CBS Official Statement and Financial Context
CBS provided an official statement to People magazine explaining the rationale behind the decision. The network characterized the conclusion as “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” explicitly stating that the choice was “not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”

This explanation places the decision within the broader context of economic challenges facing the entertainment industry, particularly in the late-night television sector. The statement suggests that despite the show’s success in terms of ratings and content quality, financial considerations ultimately drove the network’s decision-making process.
Historical Context and Legacy
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” premiered on September 8, 2015, following the retirement of David Letterman, who had hosted the program for over two decades. Letterman’s departure marked the end of an era, as he had established “The Late Show” as a cornerstone of CBS’s late-night programming throughout his extensive career spanning more than thirty years.