NEW YORK — In a surprising announcement, CBS revealed that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will conclude its run in May 2026, marking the end of a significant chapter in late-night television history. CBS executives described Colbert as an irreplaceable figure and expressed pride that he has been associated with the network.

Stephen Colbert made the announcement during a taping, expressing gratitude to CBS for the opportunity to host the renowned program. “I’m not being replaced, this is all just going away,” he stated, indicating a contemplative farewell to the show he has helmed since September 2015.

CBS officially stated that the decision was driven purely by financial considerations amid a challenging landscape for late-night programming. The network emphasized that the show’s performance and content were not factors in the decision to end the franchise.

Colbert’s exit aligns with the expiration of his contract at the end of 2026. With Jon Stewart recently signing on to continue hosting “The Daily Show” through 2025, speculation has arisen about Colbert potentially joining that program, though nothing has been confirmed.

“The Late Show” debuted in August 1993 under the helm of David Letterman, who transitioned to CBS after a notable absence from NBC’s “The Tonight Show.” Letterman retired in May 2015, paving the way for Colbert, who previously gained acclaim on “The Daily Show” and his own spinoff, “The Colbert Report.”

This news arrives as Skydance is in the process of acquiring Paramount, a move that could shift the late-night landscape, although the reasons behind the cancellation are not believed to be related. While Colbert has often been a vocal critic of certain political figures, insiders indicate that this decision is primarily financial rather than a response to commentary on matters of public policy.

The cancellation of “The Late Show” adds to a challenging period for late-night programming, which has seen numerous shows struggle for viewership. CBS recently discontinued “After Midnight,” the series that replaced “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” in a move that raised eyebrows among fans of the genre.

As the landscape of late-night television continues to evolve, the end of Colbert’s era invites discussion about the future of the genre and what might come next in the competitive late-night arena.