Stephen Colbert shocked his audience and late night fans, announcing CBS had decided to cancel his long-running show. “The Late Show” is the most-watched late night talk show on television, but it is expensive to produce and has faced declining ratings.

Opinion: CBS just proved that when it comes to a "decision," cancelling Colbert was a no-brainer compared to appeasing the dictator Trump, writes .

Now comes Colbert’s departure. If the reasons are truly financial, one wonders how his salary compares to the money spent to settle a dubious lawsuit.The president now seems favorably disposed toward the merger.

After more than three decades on air, CBS announced on Thursday that its famed "Late Show" franchise is coming to a close. "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" will officially come to an end in May 2026, according to the network, which said the decision to end the show was a financial one.

In a surprise move, CBS is cancelling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Not just the renowned comedian’s version of The Late Show, but the over three-decade late night talk show in its entirety.

CBS said it planned to cancel Stephen Colbert's Late Show after next season, citing the weakening finances of late night

After more than three decades on air, CBS announced on Thursday that its famed "Late Show" franchise is coming to a close.