When Is the Last Episode of ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'?
The end is near for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. In fact, the beginning of the end of the Stephen Colbert-led show kicked off on Tuesday, May 5, with guest former President Barack Obama, in what was his final appearance on the show.
After 33 years, the CBS late-night talk show will be no more before the end of the month. The news broke in July 2025 that CBS was canceling the show that Colbert has helmed for the past 11 years.
When Is the Final The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Episode?
On Thursday, May 21, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will air its last episode at 11:35/10:35c on CBS. A full list of guests for the final couple of weeks of the talk show has yet to be revealed.
However, the guests for the rest of this week include Colbert's wife, Evie McGee Colbert,Sally Field, John Krasinski, andChris Stapleton.
Why Was The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Canceled?
It's no secret that Colbert did not choose to end his talk show. The host admitted he would have kept doing the show because he loved it and would have gone out on his own terms, years down the road.
However, CBS deemed the late-night talk show too expensive. Colbert's cancellation came after he was very outspoken about his disdain for President Donald Trump. Former Late Show hostDavid Letterman put CBS in the blast, calling the network "lying weasels" for saying it was financial when it was clearly political.
Related: TV Icon's Missouri Return Sparks Buzz as Weight-Loss Journey Continues
Although Colbert's sad to see the show end, he isn't angry, at least not right now. "When this is all over, I will probably have a different - or rather a fuller - perspective on all of this, but I don't really have time to be mad about anything right now," he toldThe Hollywood Reporter.
CBS has revealed that Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen will take over the timeslot starting on Friday, May 22. The show is a half-hour comedy talk show hosted by Byron Allen, with John Cramer.
As for Colbert, he's focused on his next project, which is aLord of the Rings film. The funnyman has signed on to write the film, which is based on the early chapters of The Fellowship of the Ring.
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35/10:35 on CBS.
Next: ‘Virgin River' Star Gives Major Season 8 Update
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 1:17 PM.