Fans of Stephen Colbert, get ready for the end of an era. Here's when the final episode of The Late Show airs and how to watch the farewell.
- May 13, 2026
AceShowbiz - Fans of Stephen Colbert are gearing up to witness the conclusion of one of late-night television’s most iconic programs. After more than a decade hosting The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, the series is set to end, marking the closure of a significant chapter in the franchise that began with David Letterman in 1993.
CBS has officially announced that it will retire The Late Show franchise following the final episode of Colbert’s tenure later this month. As viewers prepare for the farewell broadcast, here is everything you need to know about the last show’s timing and how to watch it.
Why Is Stephen Colbert’s Late Show Ending?
The network revealed during the summer of 2025 that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would conclude after the 2025-2026 television season. CBS cited the decision as "purely a financial decision" influenced by the evolving late-night television environment.
Despite this explanation, the cancellation ignited widespread discussion online. Some fans and public figures speculated that political factors might have influenced CBS, given Colbert’s well-known on-air criticism of former President Donald Trump. However, CBS has denied any political motivations behind the decision.
Will There Be a New Late Show Host?
Colbert confirmed in his announcement last summer that there will be no replacement host for The Late Show. Instead, CBS plans to fill the late-night time slot with Byron Allen’s Comics Unleashed going forward.
When Is Stephen Colbert’s Last Episode?
The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is scheduled to air on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS. Leading up to the finale, the show has featured appearances from numerous prominent guests, including former President Barack Obama. Several fellow late-night hosts—Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver—also joined to honor their colleague in the weeks before the finale.
How Can Viewers Watch Stephen Colbert’s Show?
New episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert are broadcast weeknights on CBS. Fans can also stream episodes on Paramount+ following their original TV airing. Additionally, highlights and clips from the show are accessible on The Late Show’s official YouTube channel.
As Colbert’s era on CBS draws to a close, audiences prepare to say farewell to a late-night staple that has shaped television for over a decade. The final episode promises to be a memorable conclusion to The Late Show’s influential run.
