NYC NOW CBS Will End ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ in 2026. What Does That Mean for Late-Night TV?
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Aug 2, 2025 Jason Zinoman, a comedy critic at The New York Times, delves into the upcoming end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2026. He discusses the potential financial losses and political motivations behind CBS's decision. Zinoman analyzes how this cancellation may reshape the future of late-night comedy, considering the influence of media fragmentation and shifting cultural dynamics. He also highlights new opportunities for Colbert beyond traditional television, reflecting on the evolving landscape of satire and comedy.
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Shock and Signs of Decline
- The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert shocked many due to its long history and prominence on CBS.
- However, decline signs in late-night TV made the decision somewhat foreseeable.
Financial and Political Motives
- The reasons behind the show's end are debated as financial losses and political motives linked to CBS's merger needs.
- It's likely a mix of both, beyond the network's stated 'purely financial' reason.
Comedy's Resilience Despite Pressure
- Late-night shows face economic challenges and political pressures, especially with this administration's stance on comedy.
- Yet, comedy remains resilient, as demonstrated by South Park's recent sharp political satire.