The network has called the cancellation “a purely financial decision”—but it feels like only the beginning of the end for an entire genre.

In a shocking move, CBS is ending “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” next year, potentially exiting the late-night television business altogether. The cancellation will take effect in May 2026,

"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" will end in May 2026, Colbert and CBS announced on Thursday. The company said it will retire "The Late Show" franchise, and called it "purely a financial decision.