Stephen Colbert’s run with The Late Show, and the franchise overall, is coming to an end this May. However, news has come out that CBS is quietly removing his legacy with the show. In addition, sources have claimed that there won’t be much of a farewell fête for the host, either.
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Has Its Last Episode Scheduled For This Upcoming May
Colbert is known for hosting multiple talk shows. Originally hosting The Colbert Report for Comedy Central from 2005 to 2014, he has been hosting The Late Show with Stephen Colbert since September 2015, taking over from host David Letterman.
However, CBS has announced that the show would be coming to an end, with the network retiring the Late Show format. The series finale is set for May 21, 2026.
According to various insiders, CBS has since been taking measures to remove Colbert’s name and image from the network. As one insider claimed, “It’s like he was never there, like The Late Show never existed at all.”
Sources also claimed that Colbert’s staff has also been cut off from the company’s emails, effectively removing them from internal communications. The show’s team was also reportedly excluded from a recent CBS town hall. Another source shared, “That’s the clearest signal it’s truly over.”
The Network Doesn’t Have Much Plans To Give Colbert A Fond Farewell Party, Even An ‘Unofficial’ One, Either
In addition, the network doesn’t have plans for an official farewell party. Speaking with Radar Online, a network insider claimed that, “There will be no sendoff.” A goodbye party could still happen. However, as the source noted, “If the staff wants something, that’s on them.”
That said, the outlet also shared that it was unlikely that there could even be an “unofficial gathering.” At the very least, it could get awkward. The source claimed that major CBS stars, including Gayle King and Tony Dokoupil, would be unlikely to attend.
This was even said to be the case for figures who have left the network. The outlet noted that this reportedly could even include Anderson Cooper, who recently announced his own departure from 60 Minutes.
As the show comes to an end, however, some of Colbert’s guests have taken time to celebrate him and the show overall. As previously reported, Jimmy Fallon recently made an appearance at Ed Sullivan Theater, where The Late Show is filmed in New York City. During the episode, Fallon serenaded Colbert with a Frank Sinatra send-up, “You Did It Your Way,” and even presented him with a painting of him and his dog.
The show has also still managed to win accolades in its final months. Back in February, the 2026 Producers Guild Awards recently honored The Late Show with the category of “Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment, Variety, Sketch, Standup & Talk Television.”
What is your reaction to the insiders’ recent shares? Have you been keeping up with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, especially as it comes to an end? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.