Stephen Colbert Announces Final ‘Late Show’ Episode Date
After over three decades of late-night comedy, The Late Show is preparing to sign off. CBS initially announced in July that the program would conclude in May, marking the end of an era that began in 1993 with David Letterman at the helm. Now, host Stephen Colbert has revealed the exact date of the final broadcast: May 21st.
Colbert shared the news during a taping of NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, set to air on Tuesday night. This appearance marks a rare crossover moment for the two late-night titans. He has hosted the show since 2015, becoming a staple in American households.
A Shocking End to a Legacy
In July, Colbert addressed his audience, clarifying the situation: “It’s not just the end of the show. It is the end of the Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced – this is all just going away.” While the announcement was made months ago, the specific date remained undisclosed until now.
Controversy and Cancellation
The timing of the cancellation sparked considerable speculation, particularly in the wake of a $16 million settlement between CBS’s parent company, Paramount, and Donald Trump. The settlement stemmed from Trump’s claims of deceptive editing during a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. Simultaneously, Paramount was navigating an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, requiring federal approval. Colbert himself publicly criticized the settlement, labeling it a “big fat bribe” just days before the show’s cancellation was announced.
CBS maintained that the decision to end The Late Show was “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” and unrelated to the show’s performance or the ongoing Paramount controversies. However, this explanation did little to quell the outcry from fans, fellow entertainers, and political figures.
Reactions and Reflections
Senator Bernie Sanders voiced his skepticism on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Stephen Colbert, an extraordinary talent and the most popular late night host, slams the deal. Days later, he’s fired. Do I think this is a coincidence? NO.” Conversely, Donald Trump celebrated the news on Truth Social, proclaiming, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired.”
Despite the circumstances surrounding its ending, Colbert has continued to deliver his signature satirical commentary. Recently, he reflected on the first year of a hypothetical second term for a previous president, lamenting the constant media saturation and “Trump horror” dominating headlines. He quipped, “The last year has been exhausting…And not just for us. That’s why Trump’s always falling asleep.”
Looking Ahead
The final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert promises to be a poignant farewell to a beloved figure in late-night television. While the future of the timeslot remains uncertain, Colbert’s legacy as a sharp, insightful, and consistently funny host is secure. For more information on late-night television and its evolution, consider exploring resources like The New York Times Television Section.
