The world of late-night television is bracing for a seismic shift as Stephen Colbert prepares to bid farewell to The Late Show, with the final episode scheduled to air on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The announcement, which first broke during a taping of Late Night With Seth Meyers back in January, has left fans and colleagues alike reflecting on Colbert’s remarkable legacy—and the uncertain future of the late-night landscape.
On Monday, March 9, 2026, actor John Lithgow, a frequent and beloved guest of the show, took to the The Late Show stage to deliver a moving tribute to Colbert. Lithgow, who was there to promote his new Broadway play Giant, surprised both the audience and Colbert himself with a poem titled “The Mighty Colbert.” The piece functioned as both a heartfelt homage and a bittersweet elegy, capturing the sense of loss that many are feeling as the show’s end draws near.
“The time has arrived for us all to prepare / for the doleful departure of Stephen Colbert,” Lithgow began, his words echoing the sentiments of millions who have tuned in night after night for Colbert’s signature blend of wit, satire, and incisive commentary. Lithgow didn’t shy away from addressing the void Colbert’s absence will leave, describing it as a “gaping black hole” in the world of late-night television.
Colbert’s journey to the helm of The Late Show is itself a storied one. The franchise began with David Letterman in August 1993, a run that set the gold standard for late-night entertainment. When Colbert took over in September 2015, he brought with him the sharp political satire that had defined his previous work on The Colbert Report. Over the past decade, Colbert’s nightly monologues became “sublime masterworks,” as Lithgow put it, tackling the headlines of the day with both humor and heart.
Yet, despite the show’s enduring popularity and Colbert’s undeniable talent, CBS announced in July 2025 that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert would end its historic run at the close of the 2025-2026 broadcast season. The network’s statement was clear: “We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.” CBS emphasized that the decision was “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
The news of the cancellation sent ripples throughout the entertainment industry and sparked a flurry of speculation and debate. Questions swirled about the timing and rationale behind the move, with many finding it hard to believe that such a beloved and successful program could fall victim to the shifting economics of broadcast television.
John Lithgow’s poem didn’t hold back in addressing these concerns. “So why is he canceled? Why trash all that pleasure? Why yank off the air this beloved national treasure?” Lithgow asked, giving voice to the confusion and frustration felt by fans and industry insiders alike. The poem then delivered its sharpest barb: “Stephen’s tale is a lesson for all who come after. Beware of a boss with thin skin and no laughter.” According to EW and Latenighter, the line drew a strong reaction from the studio audience and prompted Colbert to embrace Lithgow in a grateful hug.
While the official word from CBS is that the decision was strictly business, the broader context of late-night television can’t be ignored. Viewership patterns have shifted dramatically in recent years, with streaming platforms and social media reshaping how audiences consume comedic news and commentary. The economics of producing a nightly talk show—especially one with the high production values and star power of The Late Show—have become increasingly challenging, even for established franchises.
Not everyone, however, was saddened by the news. Former President Donald Trump, a frequent target of Colbert’s satire, took to social media to celebrate the cancellation. “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired,” Trump wrote. “His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert! Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show.” Trump’s comments, as reported by EW, were met with predictable controversy, but they also underscored the outsized role Colbert has played in the political and cultural conversation over the past decade.
For his part, Lithgow’s tribute made it clear that Colbert’s impact extends far beyond ratings or political feuds. Lithgow praised Colbert’s two decades in satirical television, singling out his ability to blend humor with genuine insight. “With a talent so rich and discernment so rare/There’s much more to come from the mighty Colbert,” Lithgow concluded, expressing confidence that Colbert’s career is far from over. “But don’t mourn for Stephen/He’s going to be fine/He’ll only get better/Like aging fine wine.”
The sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between Colbert and his guests has long been a hallmark of The Late Show. Lithgow, who has appeared on the program ten times and made several memorable appearances on The Colbert Report, is just one of many high-profile figures to express their admiration for the host. In fact, the wave of tributes has already begun, with Jimmy Fallon recently serenading Colbert with a rendition of “My Way” in a previous episode, signaling that the coming weeks will be filled with both nostalgia and celebration.
As the countdown to the final episode continues, fans are left to ponder what the future holds for both Colbert and the late-night genre as a whole. CBS has made it clear that there are no plans to replace Colbert or continue The Late Show franchise, a decision that marks the end of an era that began more than three decades ago with David Letterman.
In the end, perhaps it’s Lithgow’s words that best sum up the moment: “There’s much more to come from the mighty Colbert.” For now, viewers can only watch, remember, and savor the remaining nights with one of television’s most beloved hosts, knowing that while the curtain may fall on The Late Show, Stephen Colbert’s influence will linger for years to come.