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Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show episode airs May 21, marking the end of a 33-year CBS late-night dynasty. The iconic franchise launched under David Letterman in 1993, creating one of television’s most influential time slots. Colbert’s farewell week brings legendary guests to say goodbye.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Finale Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS
- Colbert Era: 11 seasons since his September 2015 debut with George Clooney
- Legacy Timeline: 33 years of late-night dominance since Letterman’s 1993 launch
- Final Week Guests: Obama, Letterman, Fallon, Kimmel, Meyers appear for goodbye episodes
When Is Stephen Colbert’s Last Episode Airing?
May 21 marks Colbert’s final night hosting The Late Show in primetime. The show airs at its customary 11:35 p.m. Eastern timeslot on CBS. After more than three decades of late-night comedy, the franchise concludes two days after Colbert began his final week of broadcasts. News of the cancellation emerged last summer, shocking the industry.
This conclusion represents not just the end of Colbert’s tenure, but the entire Late Show era across multiple hosts. Starting May 22, Byron Allen’s Comics Unleashed takes over the timeslot. CBS announced the move as a strategic programming shift for the network.
Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show episode airs May 21 on CBS after 33 years
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A Star-Studded Farewell Week Unlike Any Other
Colbert’s final episodes bring together an unprecedented roster of late-night legends and celebrity friends. Former President Barack Obama appeared in early May episodes, while David Letterman, Colbert’s predecessor and franchise founder, is returning for a special goodbye. The week also features Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver.
Other notable guests include Sally Field, Chris Stapleton, John Krasinski, and Evie McGee Colbert, Stephen’s own wife. This constellation of talent reflects the deep bonds Colbert built across two decades in late-night television.
From David Letterman to Stephen Colbert: 33 Years of Late-Night History
| Era | Host | On Air Dates |
| Early Late Show | David Letterman | Aug 30, 1993-May 20, 2015 |
| Colbert Era | Stephen Colbert | Sep 8, 2015-May 21, 2026 |
| Total Run | Two Legendary Hosts | 33 years combined |
The Late Show franchise began on August 30, 1993, when David Letterman moved from NBC to CBS. The talk-show giant hosted for 22 seasons before Stephen Colbert took over in September 2015. Colbert brought fresh energy to the format, becoming CBS’s highest-rated late-night host for nine consecutive seasons. The franchise became a cultural cornerstone, producing 1,792 episodes total.
Colbert’s approach differed from Letterman’s dry humor, embracing topical comedy and emotional depth. This evolution kept viewers engaged through two presidencies and countless national upheavals. Yet both hosts shared a commitment to authentic comedy delivered nightly from Ed Sullivan Theater.
Why CBS Is Ending The Late Show After 33 Years
“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will not be seeking another host for the time slot.”
— CBS, Official Statement
CBS cited financial reasons for canceling the show, yet industry observers suspect deeper forces at work. David Letterman himself accused CBS and parent company Paramount of political appeasement, calling executives lying weasels. The timing coincides with Paramount’s merger with Skydance, which required government approval.
The departure marks a seismic shift in late-night television. Unlike its predecessors on NBC and ABC, CBS is not replacing Colbert with a new host. The network exits the flagship late-night business entirely, ceding dominance to NBC, ABC, and cable platforms.
What Legacy Will Stephen Colbert Leave Behind?
Colbert’s 11-year tenure transformed how television addressed contemporary politics and culture. His Monologue segments became water-cooler moments, with millions citing his commentary on elections, protests, and social movements. The show earned Peabody and Emmy nominations for groundbreaking interviews and comedy.
Beyond ratings, Colbert redefined the talk-show format by integrating serious journalism with comedy. He conducted consequential political interviews, hosted Broadway performances, and created viral moments that transcended television. His friendship with Letterman remained visible, symbolizing late-night loyalty across generational lines. Will the talk-show format survive without CBS‘s iconic presence?
Sources
- TV Insider – Comprehensive details on final episodes and guest lineup
- BBC News – CBS announcement of show termination in July 2025
- The Hollywood Reporter – Stephen Colbert exit interview and legacy assessment
