Stephen Colbert Announces Final ‘Late Show’ Episode Date
Stephen Colbert has announced the official end date for his time hosting The Late Show. During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, he revealed that the final episode will air on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Details on The Late Show’s Conclusion
The announcement of the series finale brings clarity to a farewell that has been anticipated since CBS confirmed plans to end The Late Show at the close of the 2025–2026 broadcast season. Colbert stated, “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.”
A Legacy in Late-Night Television
The end of Colbert’s tenure marks the conclusion of a franchise that has greatly influenced late-night television for over 30 years. The Late Show was originally launched by David Letterman in 1993 after his move from NBC. The show was broadcast from the Ed Sullivan Theater, which had been newly renovated at the time.
Over the course of more than 4,200 episodes, Letterman’s influence transformed The Late Show into a cultural institution before he signed off in 2015. Stephen Colbert took over later that year, changing the program’s format to focus more on political engagement.
Colbert’s Impact on Late-Night Television
Throughout his nine seasons, Colbert blended sharp satire, genuine commentary, and high-profile interviews, allowing The Late Show to dominate late-night ratings during a politically charged atmosphere.
With the May 21 series finale approaching, CBS and Colbert have less than four months to wrap up one of television’s most iconic late-night franchises.
- Final Episode Date: May 21, 2026
- Original Host: David Letterman (1993-2015)
- Colbert’s Tenure: Started in Fall 2015
- Total Episodes Hosted by Colbert: Over 1,000 (and counting)
Colbert’s appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers will air next Tuesday, adding to the conversation surrounding his significant impact on late-night programming.
