Big news dropped on CBS on Thursday evening as Stephen Colbert confirmed to viewers that The Late Show had been canceled.
The late-night talk show has been on the air since 1993, when it kicked off with David Letterman at the helm.
The decision to end will take effect from the 2025-26 TV season, so the show will remain on the air for a while yet.
Still, it certainly makes you wonder what went on behind the scenes for CBS to come to this decision.
You don’t just cancel a series that’s been on the air for over three decades without considering your options.
“This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” CBS said in a statement about the decision.
CBS Confirms The Late Show Cancellation
“It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
CBS, like other networks, has made controversial decisions in recent years.
TV shows with millions of viewers have been canceled despite their high viewership, indicating that they should stay on the air.
Of note on CBS is Blue Bloods, which found the cast taking pay cuts in its final years to keep the show on the air.
Sadly, that only worked for a few years, and CBS has since canceled it and is prepping its Boston Blue spinoff for the fall to take over from the mothership.
Stephen Colbert Announces End of His Show
However, these cancellations suggest that we should expect more significant shocks to hit viewers when they least expect it.
It’s hard to tell whether The Late Show will return in any capacity elsewhere.
It has a devoted audience, and perhaps a streaming home could generate even more interest.
Colbert, who took over from Letterman in 2015, addressed the audience during Thursday’s telecast.
“I want to let you know something that I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending The Late Show in May.”
The audience was both stunned and shocked by the decision.
“Yeah, I share your feelings,” the host added.
What are your thoughts on the decision, TV Fanatics?
Do you think this is a big blunder?
Hit the comments.
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