CBS to End Stephen Colbert's Late Show on May 21
CBS will replace Stephen Colbert's Late Show with a lower-cost program called Comics Unleashed. The network has lost an estimated $40 million annually on the current format.
nypost.comCBS will end Stephen Colbert's Late Show on May 21 and replace it with a program called Comics Unleashed. The network has reported annual losses of $40 million under the current format. Colbert took over the program in 2015 after David Letterman stepped down.
Colbert's show gained viewers by focusing on political material directed at President Donald Trump. The program moved ahead of NBC's Tonight Show in ratings during that period. Colbert's monologues increasingly drew audience applause rather than laughter, according to the report. The host also produced segments on COVID-19 vaccination efforts and pandemic policies.
The show addressed some political stories while omitting others, including the Hunter Biden laptop case and campus antisemitism incidents. Colbert appeared at a 2024 campaign event with former President Biden and later commented on Biden's debate performance.
CBS has continued the program despite the reported financial losses. The network has not announced further changes beyond the May 21 transition.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
2 events- 2015
Stephen Colbert replaced David Letterman as host of The Late Show.
1 sourcenypost.com - May 21, 2026
CBS will end Stephen Colbert's Late Show and replace it with Comics Unleashed.
1 sourcenypost.com
Potential Impact
- 01
CBS will air a lower-cost alternative program starting May 22.
- 02
Late-night programming costs at CBS are expected to decrease.
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