Stephen Colbert News Update: July 2025

Cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

In a shocking announcement on July 17, 2025, CBS revealed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude its run in May 2026, marking the end of a 33-year legacy for the Late Show franchise. The decision comes amidst speculation of political motivations, as it follows closely on the heels of Colbert’s public criticism of a settlement between Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, and President Donald Trump.

The settlement, which involved a payment of up to $30 million to resolve a lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, was labeled a “big fat bribe” by Colbert on his July 15 broadcast. He suggested the payment was tied to Paramount’s efforts to secure approval for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. This has sparked widespread debate, with figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren calling for an investigation into whether the cancellation was politically motivated.

Colbert, who has hosted the show since September 2015, addressed the cancellation during the July 17 taping, expressing disappointment but maintaining his characteristic humor. The audience reportedly booed upon hearing the news, to which Colbert responded, “Yeah, I share your feelings.”

CBS executives, including co-CEO George Cheeks, praised Colbert’s tenure, stating, “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time.” However, the timing of the announcement, just three days after Colbert’s remarks about the settlement, has fueled speculation about external pressures, particularly given Paramount’s delicate negotiations with the Trump administration.

Recent Highlights and Controversies

Colbert’s Late Show has remained a powerhouse in late-night television, consistently leading ratings with an average of 2.417 million viewers across 41 new episodes this year, according to Nielsen ratings. The show recently earned its sixth Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Talk Show and won a Peabody Award in 2021. Despite its success, the broader landscape of late-night TV faces challenges, with declining ad revenue and shifting viewer preferences toward online content. CBS’s cancellation of After Midnight, hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, and NBC’s cost-cutting measures, such as reducing The Tonight Show to four nights a week, underscore these economic pressures.

Colbert’s outspoken criticism of President Trump has been a hallmark of his tenure. On June 25, 2025, he addressed Trump’s controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration proposal, joking that it was “so twisted that even people in Florida think it’s cruel.” He also mocked Trump’s plans for a military parade on his birthday, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army’s founding, quipping, “It’s my birthday slumber party! OK, fellas, let’s play Never Have I Ever. I’ll start. Never have I ever served in the military.” These segments highlight Colbert’s signature blend of sharp political satire and humor, which has drawn both praise and criticism.

Guest Appearances and Notable Moments

The Late Show continues to feature a diverse lineup of guests. On July 17, 2025, Senator Adam Schiff and actor Anthony Carrigan appeared, with a musical performance by Noah Cyrus. Upcoming episodes include high-profile names like Sandra Oh, Bad Bunny, Steve Buscemi, and Governor Josh Shapiro. Earlier this year, guests like George Clooney, Paul Simon, and Senator Bernie Sanders graced the stage, reflecting Colbert’s ability to attract prominent figures from politics, entertainment, and beyond.

In June 2025, Colbert returned to the Ed Sullivan Theater with a live audience after a writers’ strike hiatus, with Jon Stewart as his first in-studio guest. The episode marked a celebratory return, with fans lining up outside the theater. Additionally, Colbert’s participation in the Strike Force Five podcast alongside Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver highlighted his camaraderie with fellow late-night hosts during the 2023 writers’ strike.

Colbert’s Legacy and Future Speculation

Stephen Colbert’s journey from The Daily Show and The Colbert Report to The Late Show has cemented his status as a comedy icon. His creation of the term “truthiness,” named the 2005 and 2006 Word of the Year by the American Dialect Society and Merriam-Webster, respectively, remains a cultural touchstone. His three Peabody Awards and numerous accolades, including being named one of Time

As The Late Show approaches its final season, questions linger about Colbert’s next move. Some speculate that streaming platforms, eager for a proven late-night host, may court him, especially given his ratings dominance. Others wonder if Colbert might choose to step away from network television altogether, given the reported tensions with CBS and Paramount. Industry analyst Bill Carter noted, “If CBS thinks people are just going to swallow this, they’re really deluded,” suggesting the cancellation could have broader implications for the network’s reputation.

Public and Industry Reactions

The cancellation has elicited strong reactions. On X, posts ranged from celebratory to critical, with some users calling it “good riddance” and others lamenting the loss of a comedic institution. Jamie Lee Curtis, set to appear on the show soon, commented, “They’re trying to silence people, but that won’t work. We will just get louder.” Jimmy Kimmel expressed solidarity with Colbert, posting, “Love you, Stephen,” alongside an expletive directed at CBS. These responses reflect the polarized sentiment surrounding the decision.

As The Late Show with Stephen Colbert prepares to close its chapter, its legacy as a platform for incisive commentary and entertainment endures. Colbert’s impact on comedy and political discourse will be indisputable, regardless of whether he stays up late or pursues a different endeavor.