Stephen Colbert has officially revealed the date for his final broadcast of The Late Show, confirming that the long-running programme will conclude on May 21. This announcement comes as the comedian enters the final four months of his tenure on the late-night television circuit.
The Countdown Begins
During a recent taping of Late Night With Seth Meyers, Colbert shared the specific date for his last episode, bringing clarity to the show's impending conclusion. The network CBS originally announced the cancellation of The Late Show back in July, marking the end of an era for one of television's most prominent talk shows.
Political Jabs and Corporate Tensions
Colbert has not been shy about expressing his views on the circumstances surrounding the show's cancellation. In a particularly pointed monologue last Thursday, he took aim at both network leadership and former President Donald Trump. Mocking Trump's recently launched "Board of Peace," which requires member nations to contribute substantial fees, Colbert quipped: "Now, admittedly, the idea of paying a billion dollars to obey Donald Trump seems a little steep; after all, CBS got to do it for just $16 million."
This barbed commentary refers to Paramount's settlement with the Trump administration, which Colbert previously labelled a "big, fat bribe." The comedian has long been a vocal critic of Trump, and his final months on air have been marked by continued political commentary and corporate criticism.
Corporate Changes and Cancellation Context
The decision to cancel The Late Show came just days before the Trump administration approved Paramount's merger with David Ellison's Skydance. While CBS has maintained that the cancellation was purely financial, citing declining advertising revenues in the late-night television sector, many staffers have suggested political motivations were at play.
Some within the network have characterised the situation as a continuation of what they term the "Trump shakedown," beginning with the Paramount settlement. Colbert himself expressed surprise at the cancellation when speaking to GQ last November, noting that CBS explained they were "getting out of the late-night space altogether because it's no longer profitable for the network."
Colbert's Perspective on Television's Future
When questioned about the corporate explanation for his show's end, Colbert offered characteristically sharp commentary on the state of network television. Referencing David Ellison, the new chairman of Paramount and son of billionaire Trump ally Larry Ellison, Colbert remarked: "Television's in huge trouble. Maybe David Ellison will fix everything. No, no. Seriously. Maybe he will. Maybe he'll fix everything."
He added with typical wit: "But it's clear that television is in a lot of transitions. It's been going on for a long time. But that's not my end of the business. My end of the business is the jokes."
As the May 21 finale approaches, viewers can expect Colbert to continue delivering his signature blend of political satire and entertainment commentary, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in American late-night television history.
