Overview

• CBS confirmed The Late Show will conclude in May 2026, marking the retirement of the flagship late-night franchise under Colbert’s decade-long tenure
• Stephen Colbert finished shooting his guest spot on Elsbeth season 3 this week, portraying fictional host Scotty Bristol of the Way Late talk show
• Insiders say the role was specifically written for Colbert following a February handshake agreement with Elsbeth star Wendell Pierce during his Late Show appearance
• Elsbeth season 3 is headlined by Carrie Preston reprising her Good Wife role and features guest turns from Nathan Lane, Keegan-Michael Key and other notable actors
• CBS executives attributed the decision to retire The Late Show to financial pressures and shifting viewer habits rather than replace its long-running format