Overview
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will wrap up its 11-year run in May 2026 following Colbert’s July 17 announcement of the cancellation.
- CBS issued a statement attributing the move solely to financial challenges in the competitive late-night landscape.
- David Letterman condemned the decision as “pure cowardice,” disputing that reported losses only emerged recently and faulting CBS’s handling of its marquee host.
- Letterman suggested the cancellation was designed to placate the Trump administration ahead of Paramount Global’s pending $8 billion merger with Skydance Media.
- The Late Show was recently nominated for Outstanding Talk Series at the 77th Emmy Awards, highlighting its continued acclaim despite being deemed unprofitable.