What Happened to The Colbert Report (Stephen Colbert's Last Show)?
The Colbert Report, a highly influential satirical news program hosted by Stephen Colbert, aired its final episode on December 18, 2014, concluding a nine-year run on Comedy Central. Colbert then transitioned to CBS, launching The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on September 8, 2015, where he shed his satirical persona to host as himself. After a successful run, including being the highest-rated late-night show for several seasons, CBS announced in July 2025 that The Late Show would end in May 2026, citing financial reasons amidst speculation of political motivations.
Quick Answer
The Colbert Report aired its final episode on December 18, 2014, as Stephen Colbert prepared to take over as host of The Late Show on CBS. He debuted The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on September 8, 2015, hosting as himself rather than his satirical character. After a successful tenure, CBS announced in July 2025 that The Late Show would conclude in May 2026, with its final episode scheduled for May 21, 2026. Colbert plans to attend family events and work on a *Lord of the Rings* film script following the show's end.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
The Colbert Report Premieres
Stephen Colbert launches 'The Colbert Report' on Comedy Central, introducing his satirical conservative pundit character.
White House Correspondents' Dinner
Colbert performs a controversial roast at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, targeting President George W. Bush and the media, while in character.
Colbert Announced as Letterman's Successor
CBS announces Stephen Colbert will succeed David Letterman as host of 'The Late Show' in 2015, signaling the end of 'The Colbert Report'.
The Colbert Report Final Episode
The Colbert Report airs its 1,447th and final episode, 'Same to You, Pal,' featuring a massive celebrity singalong and the retirement of Colbert's character.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Premieres
Stephen Colbert debuts as the host of 'The Late Show' on CBS, hosting as himself rather than his previous satirical persona. George Clooney is the first guest.
The Late Show Gains Ratings Lead
After initial struggles, 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' gains significant viewership, becoming the highest-rated late-night talk show.
Colbert Renews Late Show Contract Through 2026
Stephen Colbert signs a three-year contract extension with CBS to continue hosting 'The Late Show' through 2026.
Writers Guild of America Strike Halts Production
The Late Show, along with other late-night shows, halts production due to the WGA strike, with Colbert expressing support for the writers.
CBS Announces The Late Show Cancellation
CBS announces the cancellation of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' stating it will end in May 2026 due to 'purely financial reasons.'
The Late Show Wins First Emmy
Less than two months after its cancellation announcement, 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' wins its first Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series.
The Late Show Wins Outstanding Talk Series Emmy
'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' wins the Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series, further highlighting its critical acclaim despite its impending end.
Q1 2026 Ratings Show Continued Lead
Nielsen Live+7 ratings for Q1 2026 confirm 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' remains the most-watched program at 11:35 p.m. in total viewers, averaging 2.70 million.
David Letterman Expresses Doubts on Late-Night Future
Former 'Late Show' host David Letterman expresses surprise and doubt about the long-term future of the late-night format, following Colbert's cancellation.
Colbert Reveals Post-Show Plans and Replacement
Stephen Colbert reacts to 'Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen' taking his timeslot and reveals plans to attend family events and work on a 'Lord of the Rings' film script after May 21.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Series Finale
The final episode of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' is scheduled to air, concluding his 20-year run in late-night television.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Colbert Report, a groundbreaking satirical news program, concluded its nine-year run on Comedy Central on December 18, 2014. The final episode, titled "Same to You, Pal," featured a star-studded singalong of "We'll Meet Again" with numerous celebrities and political figures, including Jon Stewart, Bryan Cranston, Willie Nelson, and Katie Couric, marking a poignant farewell to Colbert's beloved conservative pundit character.
Stephen Colbert was announced as David Letterman's successor for CBS's The Late Show in April 2014, a significant career move that required him to retire his long-standing satirical persona. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert premiered on September 8, 2015, with George Clooney as its first guest. Initially, the show faced some ratings challenges, but by 2017, it gained significant traction, often becoming the highest-rated late-night talk show, a position it maintained for nine consecutive seasons.
Colbert's tenure on The Late Show was marked by a more direct, yet still comedic, engagement with current events and politics, particularly during the Trump administration. He signed a three-year contract extension through 2026 in June 2023. However, on July 17, 2025, CBS made the surprising announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and the entire 'Late Show' franchise, would end in May 2026, coinciding with Colbert's contract expiration. CBS cited the decision as "purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night."
This cancellation sparked controversy and skepticism, with many media commentators, including original Late Show host David Letterman, suggesting that Colbert's frequent and pointed criticisms of Donald Trump's second administration might have played a role, especially as CBS's parent company, Paramount, sought government approval for a major merger with Skydance. Despite its impending end, The Late Show continued to perform well, winning its first-ever Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series in September 2025, and another for Outstanding Talk Series in the same year.
As of May 8, 2026, Stephen Colbert is in the final weeks of The Late Show, with the series finale scheduled for May 21, 2026. Former President Barack Obama is among the final guests. Following the conclusion, the 11:35 PM ET/PT timeslot on CBS will be filled by Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen. Colbert has revealed personal plans for immediately after the finale, including attending his son's college graduation and his brother's wedding. He also announced he is working on a script for a new Lord of the Rings film with his son and Philippa Boyens.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Colbert Report (Stephen Colbert's Last Show) made different choices?