Stephen Colbert is officially saying goodbye to The Late Show tonight. The series finale not only marks the end of the 62-year-old comedian’s 11-year tenure as host, but also closes the chapter on the Late Show franchise after more than three decades on CBS.
Last July, CBS announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would come to an end in May 2026 after Colbert’s contract expired. The news surprised many viewers and industry insiders, especially given the show’s continued success in ratings and its strong position in the late-night landscape.
The network said the cancellation was “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night” and stressed that it was unrelated to the show’s performance, creative direction or broader issues involving Paramount. Still, the decision sparked speculation from Democratic leaders about whether it was connected to Colbert’s public criticism of President Donald Trump and Paramount Global’s $16 million settlement.
Colbert will not be replaced, as CBS has decided to end the entire show for now. Beginning on May 22, Colbert’s time slot will be taken over by Byron Allen’s talk show, Comics Unleashed. The comedy panel show features comedians who perform stand-up.
Allen told CBS Mornings on Wednesday, May 20, that there will be “no politics” on his show. “That’s it. You come, you laugh,” he said. “I created the show 20 years ago, and we’re about to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Comics Unleashed this fall. Twenty years of laughter.”
Here’s everything to know about Colbert’s final late-night show, including what time it starts, how long the episode is expected to last, how to watch and more.
What Time Is the Final Episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Airing?
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air its final episode on Thursday, May 21, at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and Paramount+.
How To Watch The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’s Series Finale
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs on CBS. Cord-cutters can access the network through live TV streaming services like Hulu+ Live TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo and YouTube TV, all of which currently offer free trials or promotional deals.
The finale episode is also streaming on Paramount+. Paramount+ Premium subscribers can watch the show live as it airs on CBS, while Paramount+ Essential subscribers can stream it the next day, starting Friday, May 22.
The Paramount+ Essential plan costs $8.99 per month with limited ads, while the Premium plan costs $13.99 per month without ads. Paramount+ is not offering a free trial at this time.
How Long Is The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Finale?
While episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert are typically around one hour long, tonight’s finale is expected to run longer than usual. CBS teased in a promo that the episode will be “extended,” though the network has not revealed the exact runtime.
Ahead of the episode, LateNighter reported that the show will run 17 minutes longer than usual tonight, ending at 12:54 a.m. instead of its typical 12:37 a.m. end time.
Who Will Be The Final Guest For The Late Show With Stephen Colbert?
CBS has not revealed who will appear as the final guests of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The network has only shared that tonight’s episode is called “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Series Finale.”
Guests who have appeared during the show’s final weeks include Barack Obama, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Pedro Pascal, David Letterman, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.
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