CBS just canceledStephen Colbert’sThe Late Show, and the entertainment world isreeling from the shock.The political satire talk show, which premiered in 2015, has been alate-night TV staplewithall 10 seasons dominating the ratings.Colbert’s signature monologues and unapologetic discussions with his guests stood out in the crowded landscape of talk shows. Considering its consistent success, it came as a surprise when CBS announced that the show wouldair its final episode in May 2026. While the network has cited the decision as purely financial,there is a lot more to the story.
Jimmy Kimmel Points Out the Real Issue CBS Needs To Address
After Colbert confirmed the cancellation onInstagram, he was met with anoutpouring of supportfrom fans and colleagues. The TV host took the opportunity to clarify that he wasn’t being replaced, and that the show was just going to “go away.”Jimmy Kimmel, a late-night veteran himself, shared the post to his story andwasn’t afraid to call CBS out.“Love You, Stephen. F*** you and all your Sheldons CBS,” wrote theJimmy Kimmel Live!star. Some might say that Kimmel’s words were a little harsh, but they point out the very problem that all late-night talk show hosts are up against at the moment: streaming.
CBS’s official statement aboutThe Late Showcoming to an endacknowledges that it hasreigned as the No. 1 late-night show for nine straight seasons. The network’s blatant pride in Colbert’s contributions, then, stands as a stark contrast to its cancellation. According to CBS,The Late Show’sperformance and content weren’t the issues.Instead, the decision came down to a “challenging backdrop” and shifting viewer preferences. What’s surprising, though, is that CBS’s statement reads as an admission that they are prioritizingstreaming and digital platforms.
Are We Witnessing the Slow Death of Late-Night Talk Shows?
Kimmel’s jab about “Sheldons” essentially mocksCBS’s continued push for Paramount+as its answer to streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+. Not to say that the network shouldn’t keep up with the times and expand its lineup, but in doing so, they seem to be tossing traditional television to the side.The Late Nightshow aside, the network’s decision to stop airingany kind of late-night programming after 11:30 p.m.is disappointing. For years, viewers have built the habit of ending their day with these staple talk shows, and their absence signals a major shift in CBS’s strategy.
There’s no denying, though, thatviewership numbers for late-night showsin general have seen a dip in recent years.The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonhas been cutting back on taping days, andLate Night with Seth Meyersis saving costs by saying goodbye to its house band. The numbers also paint a realistic picture of the situation. As perThe Hollywood Reporter,The Late Show’s viewership was at 3.81 million back in 2017. In the 2023-2024 season, though,the number dropped to 2.6 million,which clearly indicates a shifting trend in viewership habits. With the rise of streaming, people have moved away from traditional TV and no longer want to tune into scheduled programming.
Late Night Shows Are Going Viral — But It Doesn’t Really Matter
To keep up with how people consume media in the digital age, late-night producers havestarted releasing bite-sizedYouTube videosand shorts to grab more eyeballs. There’s no denying that these clips often go viral and boost social media engagement, but they don’t make up for thelost revenue from declining live viewership.
Despite all that, though,The Late Show’scancellationisn’t fair. Other late-night shows havefound ways to adapt to the changinglandscape and have been experimenting with different strategies. It’s hard to understand why CBS couldn’t take the same approach instead of just pulling the plug on a show that has been a cultural phenomenon. It’s evident, though, that CBS would rather invest in shows with questionable ratings, such asGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage,and renew its low-performing sitcoms than show due respect to Colbert’s legacy.
The Late Showairs weeknights on CBS. Episodes are also available to watch on Paramount+.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
