Stephen Colbert’s long-running program, The Late Show, is set to air its final episode on May 21, 2024. Colbert announced the conclusion of the series during a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. The show has been a staple of late-night television since its debut in 1993, originally hosted by David Letterman, who entertained audiences for over two decades.
Colbert took over as host in September 2015 and has since become synonymous with the show. The upcoming finale not only marks the end of Colbert’s tenure but also signifies the conclusion of The Late Show franchise itself. In July, Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, announced plans to retire the 33-year-old brand, citing financial considerations against a challenging backdrop for late-night programming.
In a statement, Paramount emphasized that the decision to end the franchise was purely financial and not related to the show’s performance or content. “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time,” the company declared, expressing pride in Colbert’s association with CBS.
Despite the official rationale, the timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows. Just two days before, Colbert publicly criticized Paramount for a $16 million settlement reached with former President Donald Trump. This settlement arose from a contentious 2024 interview on 60 Minutes, where Trump claimed the network had edited his remarks to favor his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.
Colbert did not hold back during his show, stating he was “offended” by the settlement, which he labeled a “big fat bribe” aimed at ensuring the success of Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media. This merger faced scrutiny following an investigation launched by the FCC, led by an appointee of Trump, further complicating Paramount’s corporate landscape.
As the curtain falls on The Late Show, Colbert’s legacy remains impressive. He was awarded the Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series this past September, underscoring his significant contributions to the late-night television landscape. The finale promises to be a poignant moment for fans and followers of the show, marking the end of an era in late-night entertainment.
