‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ Is Ending Tonight With A Special Extended Finale
Stephen Colbert's tenure as host of The Late Show is concluding with a special extended finale tonight. The show has been a staple of late-night television for over three decades, but CBS announced its cancellation last year due to financial reasons. Following Colbert's departure, Byron Allen's talk show, Comics Unleashed, will take over the time slot.
- ▪Stephen Colbert is officially saying goodbye to The Late Show tonight.
- ▪The series finale marks the end of Colbert's 11-year tenure as host.
- ▪CBS stated that the cancellation was a financial decision and not related to the show's performance.
10 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 35 hours. Coverage spans 2 points on the political spectrum — 6 lean left, 3 centre.
- ▪ Stephen Colbert’s Final Late Show Was a Joyful Act of Defiance — Consequence (of Sound)
- ▪ Colbert eschews politics during final ‘Late Show’ on CBS — The Hill
- ▪ Watch highlights from Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' finale — NBC News — Top
- ▪ The most striking moments from Stephen Colbert's last show — Business Insider
- ▪ Here’s Where to Watch the Final Episode of ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ Online — Billboard
- ▪ ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’: Here’s Where to Watch the Final Episode Online — The Hollywood Reporter
- ▪ Final Episode of 'Late Show With Stephen Colbert' Set to Air — TODAY.com
- ▪ Stephen Colbert’s Final ‘Late Show’ Marks the End of an Era — NYT > Top Stories
- ▪ Stephen Colbert Teases ‘Late Show’ Finale & Reflects On The End: “It’s Getting Much Realer” — Deadline
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| Original publisher | Forbes — Business |
| Canonical URL | https://www.forbes.com/sites/monicamercuri/2026/05/21/the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert-is-ending-tonight-with-a-special-extended-finale/ |
| Publication time | Thu, 21 May 2026 14:19:28 -0400 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-21T18:51:35.668Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-21T18:51:35.668Z |
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BusinessHollywood & Entertainment‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ Is Ending Tonight With A Special Extended FinaleByMonica Mercuri,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Monica is an entertainment reporter covering TV, film, and music.Follow AuthorMay 21, 2026, 02:19pm EDTMay 21, 2026, 02:20pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.NEW YORK - MAY 6: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert during Wednesday's May 6, 2026 show. (Photo by Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images)CBS via Getty ImagesStephen Colbert is officially saying goodbye to The Late Show tonight.
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