Stephen Colbert Reflects on the End of 'The Late Show' as It Approaches
With the official end date of 'The Late Show' revealed, Stephen Colbert admits the reality of the show's conclusion is now sinking in. In a recent appearance on 'Late Night With Seth Meyers', Colbert shared his thoughts on the series' impending finale, which will air on May 21.
'It feels real now,' Colbert said, emphasizing the significance of the remaining four months. 'It didn't feel... I mean, I knew it was real, but now, with only four months left, it's hitting home.'
Colbert also expressed his fondness for the people behind the scenes, particularly those he's worked with for decades. 'What I truly love is the people I work with,' he said. 'I've been with my shoemaker, Tom Purcell, since 1988. We've been through it all together.'
'You can do comedy anywhere, but there's no place like the Ed Sullivan Theater,' he added, despite the theater's significance. 'It's the people that make it special, and that's what I'll miss the most.'
Colbert's sentiment was echoed by Seth Meyers, who acknowledged the unique bond formed through daily interactions with the show's cast and crew. 'It's that strange thing where you get to see people every day who are funny and help you process difficult topics,' Meyers said.
Colbert's emotional farewell was announced in July 2025, and he expressed his gratitude to CBS and the Tiffany Network for their support. 'I'm grateful to CBS and the Tiffany Network for giving me this incredible opportunity,' he said. 'And to the audience who has joined us, and especially to the 200 people who work here, I'm deeply grateful.'
Despite the financial decision behind the cancellation, Colbert's legacy is assured. 'The Late Show' will conclude its historic run in May 2026, and George Cheeks, a Paramount co-CEO, praised Colbert's impact. 'Stephen Colbert is irreplaceable,' Cheeks said. 'We're proud to have him as part of the CBS family, and 'The Late Show' will forever be remembered among the greats of late-night television.'
