When is Stephen Colbert’s last show? Late Show finale airs May 21 on CBS

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• May 21 Marks the End of an Iconic Late-Night Era
• Star-Studded Final Week Honors a Broadcasting Legend
• The Late Show: Defining Late-Night Television for 11 Years
• How the Late-Night Industry Honors Colbert’s Departure
• What Happens to Late-Night Television After May 21?
  • Sources

Stephen Colbert’s 11-year reign ends Thursday when The Late Show airs its final episode. After commanding late-night television since 2015, the iconic CBS host will sign off on May 21 with a stacked lineup of guests that reads like Hollywood’s who’s who. The moment arrives as the late-night landscape undergoes seismic shifts.

May 21 Marks the End of an Iconic Late-Night Era

Stephen Colbert shocked fans in July 2025 when CBS announced the cancellation. The network framed it as a purely financial decision during challenging times for late-night television. Colbert will exit on his own terms, with the show’s final broadcast carefully orchestrated as a celebration.

The comedian has been vocal about CBS’s handling of the cancellation. Insiders disclosed the network had leaked claims of massive annual losses, sparking debate throughout Hollywood. David Letterman, the franchise’s original host, called CBS “lying weasels” in public remarks, defending Colbert’s legacy and questioning the network’s motives.

Star-Studded Final Week Honors a Broadcasting Legend

Colbert will welcome four competing late-night hosts: Jimmy Fallon from NBC, Jimmy Kimmel from ABC, Seth Meyers from NBC, and John Oliver from HBO. The unprecedented gesture signals deep respect across the industry. A-list actors and personalities round out the final week tapings.

Other confirmed guests include Tom Hanks, John Krasinski, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Pedro Pascal, and Natalie Portman. Perhaps most notably, Barack Obama is reportedly on the final guest roster, cementing Colbert’s imprint on popular culture. The final episodes air May 18 through May 21 on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

The Late Show: Defining Late-Night Television for 11 Years

Colbert took over The Late Show in September 2015 after David Letterman‘s 33-year run. He transformed the program from a traditional talk show into a cultural touchstone, combining his signature satirical wit with genuine human connection. The show consistently topped ratings battles against Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon.

His interviews ranged from political luminaries to musicians, actors, and unexpected voices. Colbert used the platform to address serious issues while maintaining infectious humor. The show’s musical performances showcased emerging artists and legends alike, creating memorable moments that trended across social media.

Milestone	Details
Host Tenure	2015 to 2026, 11 years
Network	CBS
Air Time	11:35 PM ET weeknights
Final Episode	Thursday, May 21, 2026 on CBS and Paramount+

“It feels real now. It did not feel real, I know it was real, but now there are three months left. What I really love is the people I do it with.”

— Stephen Colbert, on the show’s ending

How the Late-Night Industry Honors Colbert’s Departure

Jimmy Kimmel announced he would air a repeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on May 21 out of respect for his friend. The gesture demonstrates solidarity rarely seen in competitive late-night broadcasting. Other hosts have expressed gratitude for Colbert‘s years of leadership and innovation in the format.

Paramount+ will stream the final episode, allowing international audiences and cord-cutters to witness the historic moment. The network has promoted the finale heavily, acknowledging the cultural significance of Colbert‘s departure. CBS called Colbert “irreplaceable” in official statements, even as it replaces the show with Comics Unleashed.

What Happens to Late-Night Television After May 21?

Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen takes over the 11:35 PM ET slot immediately after Colbert‘s finale. Allen‘s show features rotating comedians in a panel format, representing a dramatic shift in approach from traditional talk shows. Colbert has reportedly still held onto a “dream guest” who might appear in his final weeks, keeping suspense alive until curtain call.

Late-night television faces uncertain terrain as viewership continues fragmenting across streaming and social media. Colbert‘s departure marks the end of an era that began with Letterman and evolved through Colbert‘s electrifying tenure. What will audiences tune in for on May 21 to say goodbye to one of television’s greatest broadcasters?

Sources

• USA Today – Coverage of final episode announcement and network replacement details
• Variety – Reporting on final guest lineup and industry solidarity from competing hosts
• CNN – Analysis of financial cancellation decision and late-night landscape implications