In May 2026, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert is concluding its run on CBS. The show, which began in August 1993, became a staple of late-night television with Stephen Colbert taking over in September 2015. The decision to end the program was made by CBS due to financial losses they attributed to the franchise, stating that the cancellation was not due to ratings or content. In fact, The Late Show remained the most-watched late-night show, averaging more than 2.7 million viewers. Colbert expressed that this resulted in a different approach to the show's finale, allowing him to focus on humor rather than sentimentality. During its final week, the network announced a star-studded lineup featuring notable guests such as Jon Stewart, Steven Spielberg, and Bruce Springsteen, culminating in the series finale scheduled for May 21. CBS plans to replace The Late Show with Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen starting May 22, marking the end of a long-running late-night franchise on the network that began with David Letterman's tenure. Colbert's legacy includes a focus on political satire and cultural commentary which resonated deeply with audiences during his years on air. This final week before the finale showcases both the program's influence and the bittersweet nature of its conclusion.