Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' Ends Its 11-Year Run
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Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' will air its final episode on Thursday, May 21, 2026, ending an 11-season run. CBS announced the cancellation last summer, citing economic reasons. The 11:35 p.m. time slot will be taken over by Byron Allen's 'Comics Unleashed', which the host says will avoid politics.
Facts First
- 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' ends its 11-season run on CBS on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
- CBS cited economic reasons for the cancellation announced last summer.
- The time slot will be filled by 'Comics Unleashed', a talk show hosted by Byron Allen that will avoid politics.
- Colbert is co-writing a new 'Lord of the Rings' movie, a project he pitched before the show's cancellation.
- NBC's Jimmy Fallon and ABC's Jimmy Kimmel will air reruns on Thursday night in honor of Colbert's final show.
What Happened
CBS announced it is ending 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' after 11 seasons, with the final episode scheduled to tape and air on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The network cited economic reasons for the cancellation. The 11:35 p.m. time slot will be taken over by 'Comics Unleashed', a talk show hosted by Byron Allen, who has stated the program will avoid politics. In his final week, Colbert reunited with former 'Daily Show' colleague Jon Stewart and hosted musical guests including Andra Day and Bruce Springsteen.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a late-night viewer, your options are changing. The politically charged comedy of Colbert's show is being replaced by a program that its host says will steer clear of politics. This shift could signal a broader change in the tone of network late-night television. You may also see Colbert's work in a new medium, as he is co-writing a 'Lord of the Rings' movie.
What's Next
'The Late Show' will tape its final episode at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City on Thursday, with an after-party featuring a 'Fired & Festive!' dress code to follow. Colbert's immediate professional future appears to include co-writing a 'Lord of the Rings' film, a project he pitched before the show's cancellation. The long-term success of 'Comics Unleashed' in the coveted time slot, and whether it maintains its apolitical stance, remains to be seen.