Stephen Colbert Ends CBS Late Show Run After 33 Years
CBS will conclude its Late Show franchise this week after 33 years. The program featured interviews with political figures and entertainers. Ad revenue declined from $121 million in 2018 to $70 million last year.
hollywoodreporter.comCBS will end its Late Show franchise this week after 33 years on air. The program featured interviews with political figures and entertainers during its run. The network reported annual losses of approximately $40 million in recent years. Ad revenue fell to $70 million last year from $121 million in 2018. The host earned between $15 million and $20 million annually.
Guest Appearances The show hosted Sen.
Bernie Sanders 22 times, the most frequent politician guest in late-night history. Other guests included Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, former Rep. Cori Bush, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Former Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger also appeared. By one measure, 99 percent of political guests leaned left or identified as Democrats.
Carson stated in a 1979 interview that entertainers should avoid using their platform to sway viewers on political issues. Podcasts now reach larger audiences at lower production costs than traditional late-night programs. The Late Show maintained a format centered on celebrity interviews and political commentary.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 1979
Johnny Carson discussed avoiding political commentary on The Tonight Show.
1 sourceWashington Examiner - 2015
Stephen Colbert began hosting The Late Show on CBS.
1 sourceWashington Examiner - 2025
The Late Show recorded $70 million in ad revenue, down from $121 million in 2018.
1 sourceWashington Examiner - This week
CBS will conclude the Late Show franchise after 33 years.
1 sourceWashington Examiner
Potential Impact
- 01
CBS will no longer produce the Late Show after this week.
- 02
Production staff will transition to other projects or roles.
- 03
Podcast platforms may gain additional late-night audience share.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
BBC NewsTrump Meets Advisers to Decide on Iran Ceasefire Extension
President Trump said he is holding a Situation Room meeting to make a final decision on a possible deal with Iran. The proposed agreement would extend the ceasefire by 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
middleeasteye.netTrump to Decide on Iran Deal in Situation Room Meeting
President Trump said Friday he is heading into the Situation Room to make a final determination on a potential agreement with Iran. The proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tolls and require destruction of Iran's highly-enriched uranium.
realitytea.comTrump Says U.S. Will Lift Iran Naval Blockade After Nuclear and Hormuz Pledges
President Trump stated the U.S. will end its naval blockade of Iran once Tehran commits to forgoing nuclear weapons and opens the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted shipping. The announcement came via Truth Social and a live statement.