What time – Stephen Colbert’s final episode of The Late Show airs Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11:35 p.m. ET on CBS. Here’s what CBS says about the end, whether there’s a replacement, and the best ways to watch live if you don’t have cable.
Stephen Colbert’s desk has been a late-night fixture for years, and now the countdown is finally on.
CBS confirmed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is ending for good after Colbert’s final episode airs later this week—closing an era that began when the long-running franchise first launched with David Letterman in 1993. For fans who have been watching Colbert’s CBS run for more than a decade. the final broadcast arrives with the kind of timing that makes goodbye feel immediate. not theoretical.
CBS said the network will retire the Late Show franchise altogether after Colbert’s last episode, rather than extending it with another host. Colbert himself also made one thing clear to his audience: there will not be another host stepping into the chair.
The show’s ending wasn’t without controversy. CBS announced over the summer of 2025 that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would end following the 2025–2026 television season. describing the decision as “purely a financial decision” amid the changing landscape of late-night television. Even so, the cancellation sparked intense debate online, with some fans and public figures wondering whether politics played a role.
Colbert has been known for openly criticizing Donald Trump on air for years, and that history helped fuel speculation about whether the finale timing had anything to do with the political conversation he often brings to the desk. CBS denied those rumors.
As for what replaces Colbert’s slot, the answer is yes—just not with a new Late Show host. Byron Allen’s Comics Unleashed will move into the late-night position going forward.
Colbert’s final episode is scheduled to air on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11:35 p.m. ET.
In the weeks leading up to the finale. the show leaned into its “last run” energy with appearances from major stars and public figures. including former President Barack Obama. Colbert also welcomed fellow late-night comedy hosts—Jimmy Fallon. Jimmy Kimmel. Seth Meyers. and John Oliver—who visited to pay tribute to their friend.
For viewers looking to catch episodes beyond the live broadcast, new episodes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert air weeknights on CBS. Fans can also stream episodes on Paramount+ after they air on television. Clips are available through The Late Show’s official YouTube channel.
If you want to watch Colbert’s final episode live without cable, Paramount+ offers a premium subscription option to stream the finale live. Other live-TV options include subscribing to YouTube TV, DirecTV, or Hulu + Live TV.
The timeline is set, the seat is being cleared, and the goodbye is one broadcast away.
Stephen Colbert The Late Show with Stephen Colbert finale time May 21 2026 11:35 p.m. ET CBS Paramount+ live streaming Byron Allen Comics Unleashed Barack Obama Jimmy Fallon Jimmy Kimmel Seth Meyers John Oliver
So it’s tonight at 11:35? I thought it was like next week for some reason… CBS really loves messing with schedules.
They’re ending it “purely financial” but somehow Trump politics didn’t have anything to do with it lol. CBS always says that and then the comments section lights up.
Wait I’m confused—if it’s the finale, does that mean no more Late Show ever? Like not even reruns? Also Byron Allen is replacing him?? I didn’t even know that show was on.
Idk why people are still shocked. He’s been doing the whole Trump roast thing forever and the network acts surprised when people get mad. I swear the “replacement” isn’t really a replacement, it’s like they just shoved another show in the slot. I’ll probably watch the goodbye clip on YouTube instead of staying up.