“The Late Present with Stephen Colbert” is ending in Could 2026, Colbert introduced throughout the taping of the present earlier than his studio viewers on July 17. Not solely is his version of the present ending, however “The Late Present” as a franchise shall be retired altogether, CBS introduced.
“The Late Present” was pioneered by David Letterman on CBS beginning in 1993 and has run repeatedly ever since, with Colbert taking up in 2015.
Within the video, which you’ll watch beneath, of Colbert saying the top of “The Late Present,” he makes clear that this was not his determination however one thing he “came upon final night time.” With palpable remorse he stated, “Subsequent 12 months shall be our final season. The community shall be ending ‘The Late Present’ in Could.” As loud boos erupted from the whole viewers, Colbert added, “Yeah, I share your emotions.”
Everybody seeing this beautiful information will instantly assume that the cancellation is said to CBS guardian firm Paramount World’s impending merger with Skydance, which has resulted in selections throughout the corporate to curry favor with President Donald Trump in order that his Division of Justice will approve the merger. The Skydance acquisition has already resulted in editorial interference at “60 Minutes,” one thing protested by Scott Pelley.
There had been elevated chatter recently about the way forward for a number of late night time properties amid declining scores and advert {dollars} for all the community reveals, and within the case of Paramount World, which owns CBS, and is the guardian firm for each “The Late Present” on CBS and “The Day by day Present” on Comedy Central, how a lot it might proceed to tolerate the anti-Trump stance of “Late Present” host Stephen Colbert.
Not so quick concerning “The Late Present,” says CBS. Making an attempt to get forward of the plain assumption, the community stated in an announcement obtained by IndieWire, “This is only a monetary determination towards a difficult backdrop in late night time. It isn’t associated in any approach to the present’s efficiency, content material or different issues occurring at Paramount.”
The assertion is attributed to George Cheeks, Co-CEO Paramount World and President and Chief Government Officer, CBS, in addition to Amy Reisenbach, President, CBS Leisure, and David Stapf, President, CBS Studios.
“‘The Late Present with Stephen Colbert’ will finish its historic run in Could 2026 on the finish of the printed season,” started the assertion. “We think about Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and can retire ‘The Late Present’ franchise at the moment. We’re proud that Stephen known as CBS dwelling. He and the printed shall be remembered within the pantheon of greats that graced late night time tv.”
After the apart implying the merger had nothing to do with the choice, the assertion continued, “Our admiration, affection, and respect for the abilities of Stephen Colbert and his unbelievable workforce made this agonizing determination much more tough. Stephen has taken CBS late night time by storm with cutting-edge comedy, a must-watch monologue and interviews with leaders in leisure, politics, information and newsmakers throughout all areas. The present has been #1 in late night time for 9 straight seasons; Stephen’s comedy resonates day by day throughout digital and social media; and the printed is a staple of the nation’s zeitgeist.”
“The accomplishments of ‘The Late Present with Stephen Colbert’ are memorable and important in efficiency, high quality and stature. With a lot gratitude, we look ahead to honoring Stephen and celebrating the present over the subsequent 10 months alongside its tens of millions of followers and viewers.”
Watch Colbert’s full announcement beneath.