Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" has been canceled by CBS, with the final season planned to conclude in May 2026. This announcement surprised many viewers and fans, marking the end of his long-running late-night program which began in 2015.

Colbert revealed this decision during a taping, citing financial reasons as a significant factor behind the cancellation, although there has been speculation about potential political influences, especially since the show had openly criticized CBS's parent company and other political issues. Notably, the cancellation occurred just days after Colbert publicly called out CBS's settlement with President Donald Trump, and it drew commentary from various political figures and media analysts.

Despite the show's end, Colbert has received recognition, including winning an Emmy for outstanding talk series shortly before the cancellation was announced. He also appeared at the Emmy ceremony as a presenter, where he humorously joked about his future prospects and handed his resume to prominent figures like Harrison Ford.

The decision to end "The Late Show" appears to be linked to broader shifts in the late-night television landscape, with streaming and on-demand content increasingly affecting viewership and relevance of traditional broadcast formats. Colbert's departure marks a significant change in U.S. late-night TV history, prompting speculation about his next career moves, which could include online platforms or other media opportunities.

In summary, Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" was canceled by CBS in 2025, with the last season airing in 2026, following a series of political and financial controversies and reflecting broader industry trends.