According to Paramount Global, the decision to end the show was made last summer and was described as purely a financial decision amid challenging conditions in late-night television. The company also praised Colbert, calling him irreplaceable.
Broadcast nightly at 11:35 pm ET, The Late Show has remained one of the most recognised programmes in American late-night television since Colbert succeeded David Letterman in 2015.
CBS had earlier announced that producer and media executive Byron Allen would take over the time slot with back-to-back half-hour episodes of Comics Unleashed , followed by the comedy game show Funny You Should Ask.
According to media reports, Stephen Colbert reacted humorously to Byron Allen’s appointment during an interview, expressing support and best wishes for him. Colbert said he knows Allen well and finds his long history in the television industry fascinating.
When asked how he felt about CBS choosing not to replace The Late Show with another traditional late-night talk show, Colbert gave a brief response, saying, “It’s none of my business.”
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Industry experts believe the cancellation of The Late Show marks another major shift in the American late-night television landscape, as networks continue to adjust their strategies due to changing audience habits, the growing popularity of digital platforms, and increasing financial pressures across the entertainment industry.
