Quick Read
- Stephen Colbert confirmed May 21, 2026, as the final date for “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.”
- The show’s cancellation was first announced in July 2025 and described by CBS/Paramount as a “purely financial decision.”
- Colbert recently mocked Melania Trump’s upcoming documentary, “MELANIA,” for selling “zero tickets” for its initial screenings.
- The “MELANIA” documentary, despite a reported $75 million investment, is expected to gross only $1-2 million on its opening weekend.
- Colbert expressed sadness about leaving his co-workers, with whom he has worked for decades.
NEW YORK (Azat TV) – Stephen Colbert has confirmed that the final episode of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” will air on May 21, 2026, marking the end of an eleven-year run for the CBS late-night staple. The announcement, made Monday during an appearance on NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” comes as Colbert continues to deliver his signature political commentary, most recently roasting former First Lady Melania Trump over reportedly abysmal ticket sales for her upcoming documentary, “MELANIA.”
Colbert’s confirmation of the show’s end date has brought a sense of finality to news first revealed in July 2025. During his monologue Tuesday evening, the comedian openly struggled to contain his glee while discussing the struggling box office prospects of Trump’s documentary. He highlighted that “zero tickets” had been sold for the 7:30 p.m. showings on Saturday, January 31, at major New York City cinemas in Times Square, despite Amazon allegedly investing $40 million for the film and an additional $35 million for marketing and distribution. The film, set to premiere on January 30, chronicles Melania Trump’s life in the 20 days leading up to her husband’s second inauguration.
Colbert Confirms Final “Late Show” Date
The decision to conclude “The Late Show” franchise, which has occupied the 11:30 p.m. ET slot on CBS for 33 years since its inception with David Letterman, was first announced by Colbert on his own program in July 2025. CBS, through its parent company Paramount Global, described the cancellation as a “purely financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night television,” despite the show being the number one late-night program for nine consecutive seasons. Paramount officials stated, “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time.”
Colbert, speaking with Seth Meyers, expressed his mixed feelings about the impending finale. “It feels real now,” he remarked, acknowledging the four months remaining. He emphasized his deep affection for his colleagues, many of whom he has worked with for decades. “What I really love is the people I do it with,” Colbert said, adding, “That’s really what I care about. That’s really what I’ll miss more than anything.”
The cancellation announcement in 2025 followed closely on the heels of Colbert’s public criticism of a $16 million settlement between then-President Donald Trump and Paramount Global concerning the editing of a “60 Minutes” news piece. Colbert had openly labeled the payment a “big fat bribe” during one of his opening monologues. Days after the show’s cancellation was made public, the Federal Communications Commission approved an $8.4 billion sale of Paramount to Skydance Media, a deal that was awaiting regulatory approval from the Trump administration last summer.
Roasting the “MELANIA” Documentary
In a segment that quickly went viral, Colbert focused his comedic lens on the financial struggles of the “MELANIA” documentary. He detailed the significant investment from Amazon and the stark reality of empty theaters. “Social media has been flooded with images of theaters in major cities that haven’t sold a single seat,” Colbert noted, citing estimates that the $75 million production might only gross $1 million or $2 million in its opening weekend.
He particularly highlighted the irony of zero ticket sales in New York City, which Melania Trump has called home for decades. “It’s literally the busiest blocks on the planet,” Colbert quipped about Times Square, adding, “That must be heartbreaking for the first lady.” He then playfully referenced Nicole Kidman’s iconic AMC ad, suggesting, “heartbreak feels good in a place like this,” to underscore the situation’s absurdity.
Melania Trump had previously described the film as an “unfiltered look” into her journey to becoming First Lady. “History is set in motion during the 20 days of my life prior to the U.S. Presidential inauguration,” she stated, inviting global audiences to witness this “pivotal chapter unfold.”
The Legacy of a Late-Night Icon
Stephen Colbert took over “The Late Show” from legendary host David Letterman in 2015, transitioning from his satirical persona on “The Colbert Report” to a more direct, yet still politically charged, late-night host. His tenure has been marked by sharp political commentary, particularly during the Trump administration, and insightful interviews with a diverse range of guests. Under his leadership, “The Late Show” not only maintained but often dominated viewership in its competitive time slot, consistently ranking as the number one late-night show.
His ability to blend incisive political satire with genuine human connection has cemented his place as a significant voice in American television. The show’s success extended beyond traditional broadcasts, with Colbert’s monologues and segments frequently resonating across digital and social media platforms, making it a staple of the nation’s zeitgeist.
As Stephen Colbert prepares to conclude his chapter in late-night television, his final months are proving to be a poignant blend of reflection on a celebrated career and continued commitment to sharp, relevant political humor, reinforcing his role as a critical voice amidst ongoing shifts in both media landscape and political discourse.