CBS to End ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ Next Year

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A significant change is approaching in the realm of television as CBS has declared that they are concluding “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” after a ten-year run. This marks the end of over three decades during which “The Late Show” has been a staple in their daily programming. The 2025-2026 season will be its final one on air.

In simple terms, at the Ed Sullivan Theatre on Thursday, Colbert announced some news to his audience. When they booed, he acknowledged their feelings by saying “Yes, I share your feelings.” He clarified that he is not being removed as the host of The Late Show; instead, the show itself is “taking a break.

Colbert expressed gratitude towards CBS for providing him with this seat and this stunning stage, which he now considers his home. Additionally, he acknowledged the audience and the 200 dedicated individuals behind the scenes who contribute to the production of the show.

You can see Colbert’s announcement below.

In September of 2015, Stephen Colbert assumed hosting duties for The Late Show, a position that was originally created in the fall of 1993 as a rival to NBC’s The Tonight Show. This move came after David Letterman left NBC and his Late Night With David Letterman series, following the network’s decision to replace Johnny Carson with Jay Leno on The Tonight Show. Letterman continued hosting The Late Show on CBS until his retirement in the spring of 2015. Prior to this, Colbert was known for his work on The Daily Show and for hosting The Colbert Report from 2005 to 2014.

In a statement, CBS said:

We view Stephen Colbert as indispensable and plan to end The Late Show franchise when he leaves. We take great pride in having him as part of CBS family. His work and our broadcast will be celebrated alongside other legendary figures who have shone on late-night TV. This move is purely a financial adjustment amidst challenging circumstances in the late-night sector. It bears no connection to the show’s ratings, content, or any events happening at Paramount.

After CBS departs from late-night programming, only three shows remain active: ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Late Night With Seth Meyers”. This year, in March, CBS ended both “The Late Show” and “After Midnight”.

Even shows that continue to exist, such as “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” are experiencing alterations; for instance, it parted ways with its live band in June 2024 due to budget restrictions. If you were a fan of series like these in your youth, this change is an indication of the evolving times.

10 Great Netflix Miniseries You Totally Forgot About

1. Alias Grace

The Netflix adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s crime novel “Alias Grace,” which was somewhat overlooked amidst the buzz surrounding other adaptations of her work, is definitely worth a watch. Directed by Mary Harron and starring a talented Canadian cast led by Sarah Polley and Sarah Gadon, this intriguing series follows the psychiatric evaluation of a notorious murderess who claims to have no recollection of her heinous act, suggesting that she may have been possessed by the spirit of a former friend. Based on a true historical crime, it delves into questions about guilt and innocence, and highlights how those on the margins are often caught in the line of fire. To add to its appeal, renowned director David Cronenberg makes a guest appearance.

2. Bodies

If you found “Dark” engaging, Netflix’s complex German time-travel series, then you’ll be captivated by “Bodies”, a miniseries inspired by Si Spencer’s Vertigo graphic novel. In this show, a corpse mysteriously appears in four distinct time periods within London’s Whitechapel district, leading to four separate police investigations that eventually intertwine over time. Stephen Graham stars as the head of a future military regime ruling United Britain, who will stop at nothing to ensure his ascension to power. It’s an excellent choice for a long weekend binge-watch, and with just eight episodes, it neatly concludes the storyline before the intricacies of time travel become too perplexing.

3. Brand New Cherry Flavor

Rosa Salazar is incredibly undervalued in the sci-fi realm, and yet her most unacknowledged work seems to be “Brand New Cherry Flavor.” In this series, Rosa takes on the role of Liza Nova, a budding horror director who relocates to 1990s Los Angeles when a producer shows interest in her short film. However, after she refuses his advances, he steals her project from her. In retaliation, Liza strikes a deal with a local witch to exact revenge on the producer. Yet, as we soon discover, witchcraft comes at a cost, and Liza becomes ensnared in the grimy underworld of 1990s LA. The show bears a striking resemblance to the work of David Lynch, featuring a procession of disturbing images and a graphic sex scene that will linger in your memory.

4. The Get Down

Although The Get Down was officially terminated following its initial season, Netflix still believes it effectively portrayed the tale of 1970s New York disco and R&B in the 11-episode two-part season aired in fall 2016 and spring 2017, making it essentially a miniseries.

This series, developed by Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Adly Guirgis, focuses on a gang of teenagers navigating the South Bronx during the rise of hip hop in the late 70s. As much a musical as it is a drama, the show features an abundance of classic and contemporary hip hop and R&B music, with some performances by its talented cast members — a blend of established stars like Justice Smith, Jaden Smith, Shameik Moore, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Daveed Diggs, Giancarlo Esposito, and numerous others, as well as rising talents.

5. Halston

Exploring the ups and downs, and ultimately the resurgence, of a prominent American fashion designer, the series “Halston” is headlined by Ewan McGregor. The narrative traces Halston’s journey from recognition to stardom to disgrace throughout the 1970s and 1980s. From his iconic pillbox hat for Jackie Kennedy to bold Liza Minelli ensembles, the five episodes depict the designer’s glamorous career in the limelight, culminating in a troubled collaboration with JC Penney and a late-’80s comeback in high fashion. With Ryan Murphy as producer and co-writer, the show carries some of his signature flair.

6. Maniac

One of Netflix’s most daring miniseries, “Maniac,” paves the way for series such as “Severance” and “Devs.” This thought-provoking show follows characters entangled in a metaphysical corporate experiment gone awry. Directed by Cary Fukunaga, renowned from “True Detective,” it features Emma Stone and Jonah Hill as individuals grappling with mental illness who join a secret pharmaceutical trial. The trial grants them shared hallucinations ranging from a Victorian-era séance to gangster tales to high fantasy narratives. The series is both amusing, peculiar, and philosophical without being overly sentimental, boasting stellar performances from Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, and an ensemble cast including Justin Theroux, Sonoya Mizuno, and Sally Field who deliver eccentric performances.

7. Unbelievable

Netflix’s true crime shows are plentiful, but “Unbelievable” rises above them all due to its unique emphasis on the victims of these crimes rather than the criminals. The series unfolds in two distinct time periods, only three years apart, and it tells the story of a woman (Kaitlyn Dever) who is accused by the police of lying about her sexual assault. Meanwhile, two female detectives (Toni Collette and Merrit Wever) become embroiled in an investigation into what seems to be the work of a serial rapist. As the tales intertwine, the show primarily delves into the emotional toll of being a victim, and the chilling experience of witnessing an entire community turn against you for no wrongdoing.

8. Unorthodox

The first Netflix series predominantly featuring Yiddish dialogues, titled “Unorthodox”, narrates an expertly woven tale about a woman named Esty. She escapes her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in New York, leaving behind an arranged marriage, to seek out her long-lost mother in Berlin and her relentless husband who is on the hunt for her. The leading actress, Shira Haas, was recognized with a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her compelling portrayal of Esty, a woman navigating the secular world for the first time, feeling overwhelmed by the newfound freedoms of a foreign country and community.

9. Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp

Among the fantastic outcomes of Netflix’s “let them cook” approach during its early days were the prequel and sequel miniseries of the beloved comedy series, “Wet Hot American Summer.” These follow-ups to the 2001 film of the same name, which satirized ’80s teen sex comedies, saw the original cast reprising their roles. In their prime and grown up now, they stepped back into their roots for the miniseries titled “First Day of Camp,” where the chaotic antics of the teens and counselors at Camp Firewood unfold on the first day in 1981 (contrasting with the original movie set on the last day), followed by “Ten Years Later,” which revolves around the former campers’ reunion at the camp ten years down the line in 1991.

10. Wild Wild Country

Back in the day, it seemed like everyone, including their moms, were hooked on the Netflix true crime docuseries, “Wild Wild Country.” This miniseries stood out as the ultimate Netflix true crime production (although they’ve churned out numerous others since then). The series delved into the clashes between Wasco County in Oregon and the Rajneeshpuram community, a group of individuals who were followers of the spiritual teachings of the Indian philosopher Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.

What made this miniseries remarkable was its balanced portrayal of the various viewpoints surrounding a contentious and almost-forgotten chapter in American history. It painted a comprehensive picture of America during a time of immense social transformation and turmoil.

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2025-07-18 05:25