AceShowbiz - Fans of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert are gearing up for the end of an iconic late-night era as the show prepares to air its final episode after more than ten years on CBS. This marks the conclusion of a franchise that began in 1993 with David Letterman and has been a staple of late-night television ever since.

CBS has announced that it will retire the entire The Late Show franchise once Stephen Colbert delivers his final episode. As viewers get ready to say farewell to the beloved late-night talk show, here is everything you need to know about when and how to watch the finale live.

The decision to end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was made public in the summer of 2025. According to CBS, the cancellation is "purely a financial decision," reflecting shifts in the late-night television landscape. Despite this official explanation, there has been widespread speculation and debate online. Some viewers and public figures have questioned whether political factors influenced CBS' choice, given Colbert's well-known on-air criticisms of Donald Trump. However, CBS has denied any political motivations behind the show's end.

Stephen Colbert himself confirmed that there will be no new host replacing him on The Late Show. Instead, the late-night slot will be filled by Byron Allen's Comics Unleashed going forward.

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. In the lead-up to the finale, audiences have enjoyed appearances from a range of notable guests, including former President Barack Obama. Additionally, fellow late-night stars such as Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver have all visited to pay tribute to their friend and colleague.

New episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert air on weeknights via CBS. Beyond traditional TV broadcasts, fans can stream episodes on Paramount+ shortly after they air. Clips and highlights from the show are also available on The Late Show’s official YouTube channel, providing easy access to memorable moments.

For viewers without cable, there are several options to watch the final episode live. Paramount+ offers a premium subscription that includes live streaming of the finale. Other streaming services carrying live CBS broadcasts include YouTube TV, DirecTV, and Hulu + Live TV, making it accessible for a variety of audiences.

As Stephen Colbert prepares to sign off from this chapter of late-night television, fans across the country are ready to tune in for a historic farewell to The Late Show on May 21, 2026.

This article is based on reporting originally published by HollywoodLife.