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The moment millions of viewers have been waiting for, and in some cases dreading, has finally arrived. The Stephen Colbert last show is airing tonight as Stephen Colbert signs off from The Late Show, closing a major chapter in American late-night television history. After hosting since 2015, Colbert’s departure marks the end of an era for The Late Show on CBS, a franchise that has shaped late-night comedy and political satire for more than three decades.
The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is scheduled to air at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS, with fans across the country preparing to say goodbye to one of the most recognizable voices in late-night TV.
Stephen Colbert Last Show: A Historic Farewell to “The Late Show”
The Stephen Colbert last show is not just another television finale. It represents the closing of a long-running legacy that began back in 1993 when David Letterman first launched The Late Show on CBS.
Stephen Colbert took over hosting duties in 2015 and quickly reshaped the program with a stronger focus on political humor, cultural commentary, and monologues that regularly went viral online. Over the years, The Late Show became one of CBS’s most important late-night properties.
Now, as the Colbert last show airs, it signals not only the end of Colbert’s run but also the end of The Late Show on CBS entirely, according to earlier announcements from the network.
Why CBS Is Ending “The Late Show”
The decision by CBS to end The Late Show franchise has been described as part of a broader restructuring of late-night programming.
Colbert revealed the news to his studio audience in July 2025, explaining that CBS would conclude the show in May 2026. The announcement was met with shock and audible disappointment from the audience, as the Stephen Colbert last show was confirmed to be part of a full franchise shutdown rather than a simple host replacement.
Colbert also clarified that CBS would not be bringing in a new host, making this the final chapter for The Late Show brand on the network.
The Final Episode of “The Late Show” Airs Tonight
The Colbert last show airs tonight, May 21, at 11:35 p.m. ET, marking the official end of his tenure.
The final episode is expected to be an extended special, likely running longer than the standard hour-long format. While CBS has not revealed guest appearances in advance, speculation has been strong that former guests, political figures, and fellow comedians may appear or be referenced during the farewell.
In a notable show of solidarity, competing late-night programs including The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! are reportedly going dark during Colbert’s final broadcast window, giving him a solo spotlight in late-night television.
Colbert’s Legacy on “The Late Show”
Since taking over from David Letterman, Colbert has transformed The Late Show into a politically charged, culturally influential platform.
Key highlights of his tenure include:
- Monologue-driven political satire that regularly trended online
- High-profile interviews with U.S. presidents, actors, and global leaders
- Viral comedy segments that reached audiences far beyond traditional TV
- Strong integration with digital platforms and streaming audiences
Under Colbert, The Late Show became one of CBS’s most visible late-night programs, often competing directly with other major hosts such as Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel.
Late-Night Hosts Pay Tribute to Stephen Colbert
Ahead of the Stephen Colbert last show, several major late-night personalities including Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver appeared together in a special segment honoring Colbert’s run.
This rare crossover moment highlighted the respect Colbert has earned across the industry and emphasized how significant his departure is for the entire late-night ecosystem.
The Colbert last show is not just a personal goodbye, but a shared moment for an entire generation of comedians and television writers who built their careers during his era.
What Replaces “The Late Show” After Colbert’s Exit
With the end of the Stephen Colbert last show, CBS will shift its late-night lineup.
Beginning May 22, the 11:35 p.m. ET time slot will be filled by “Comics Unleashed,” followed by additional programming in the overnight schedule. This marks a major structural change for CBS after more than 30 years of The Late Show dominance in that time slot.
The transition has raised questions about how broadcast television will compete in a landscape increasingly dominated by streaming platforms and short-form digital content.
What’s Next for Stephen Colbert After The Late Show
As fans watch the Colbert last show, attention is also turning toward what comes next for the host.
Colbert has reportedly expressed interest in new creative projects outside traditional late-night television. Among the rumored plans is a film project inspired by elements of The Lord of the Rings, a long-time personal passion of his.
While details remain unconfirmed, it is clear that Stephen Colbert is not stepping away from entertainment entirely, even as he closes this chapter of his career on CBS.
A Cultural Moment: The End of an Era in Late-Night TV
The Stephen Colbert last show, the final Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and the end of The Late Show on CBS together represent more than just a scheduling change.
It marks the end of a format that defined late-night television for decades.
From David Letterman to Stephen Colbert, The Late Show has been a cornerstone of American media culture. Tonight’s broadcast will not just be another episode, but a farewell to an institution that shaped political comedy, interview journalism, and late-night entertainment as a whole.
As the lights dim on the Colbert last show, one thing is clear: this is not just the end of a host’s run, but the closing of a major chapter in television history.