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Stephen Colbert Hosts Final Episodes of 'The Late Show' After 11 Seasons

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A newer version of this story is available at Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' Ends Its 11-Year Run on CBS.

Stephen Colbert is in his final week as host of 'The Late Show,' with the series finale scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026. CBS announced the show's end last summer, citing economic reasons. The 11:35 p.m. time slot will be taken over by Byron Allen's 'Comics Unleashed,' which Allen says will avoid politics.

Facts First

  • 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' ends its 11-season run on CBS this Thursday, May 21, 2026.
  • CBS cited economic reasons for the cancellation last summer, ending the show after more than 1,800 episodes.
  • The time slot will be filled by Byron Allen's 'Comics Unleashed', a talk show Allen says will avoid political content.
  • Colbert's final episodes have featured a parade of notable guests, including Jon Stewart, David Letterman, and Robert De Niro.
  • Colbert is scheduled to co-write a new 'Lord of the Rings' movie, a project he pitched before the show's cancellation was announced.

What Happened

Stephen Colbert is hosting the final episodes of 'The Late Show' this week, concluding an 11-season run that began in 2015. CBS announced the cancellation in July, citing economic reasons. The final episode will tape and air on Thursday, May 21. In his penultimate episodes, Colbert has hosted guests including Jon Stewart, David Letterman, Aubrey Plaza, Martha Stewart, and Robert De Niro, who made a comment about unreleased Epstein files that drew applause. NBC's 'The Tonight Show' and ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' will air reruns on Thursday in acknowledgment of Colbert's finale.

Why this Matters to You

If you are a late-night TV viewer, your options are changing. The 11:35 p.m. slot on CBS... will soon feature 'Comics Unleashed,' a new talk show hosted by Byron Allen that he states will avoid politics. This could signal a shift in the tone of network late-night programming. Furthermore, the cancellation of a major, award-winning show for economic reasons may reflect broader pressures in the television industry.

What's Next

'The Late Show' series finale airs Thursday night on CBS. The guests for the finale have not been disclosed, but Bruce Springsteen is scheduled as the musical guest for Wednesday's show. Following the taping, an after-party with a 'Fired & Festive!' dress code is planned. Colbert's next project is co-writing a new 'Lord of the Rings' movie, a script he pitched before the show's end. 'Comics Unleashed' is set to take over the time slot, and its success may influence future late-night formats.

Perspectives

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Political Analysts and Academics argue that the cancellation of the show represents a 'moment of authoritarian triumph' and suggest CBS may have acted to silence a critic of the administration.
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Media Critics contend that the show's end is a financial decision rather than a political one, noting that declining ratings are driven by information silos rather than political stances.
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Comedy Observers praise Colbert as a 'brilliant master of both satire and sincerity' who used his platform to 'hold a mirror up to the country' and speak truth to power.
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Cultural Commentators suggest that Colbert's departure leaves a 'huge void' in the cultural landscape, as he served as a 'moral authority' and a necessary source of laughter during overwhelming times.
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Colleagues and Peers view the end of the show with mixed emotions, with some noting that while it is a loss, one should 'not confuse cancellation with failure.'
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Biographers and Historians highlight Colbert's evolution from his 'entire original' character on The Colbert Report to a versatile interviewer capable of handling serious topics.