Stephen Colbert had an emotional conversation with PEOPLE magazine ahead of The Late Show’s final episode on May 21, 2026.
On July 17, 2025, CBS announced it was canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after its 11-season run due to a tough advertising market for late-night TV shows, despite the show leading in ratings.
Colbert gained mainstream recognition when he became a correspondent on The Daily Show in 1997 and later hosted right-wing pundit role on The Colbert Report from 2005 to 2014.
Asked if he would miss his political involvement, Colbert said, “I’ll never stop caring about my country.”
He added, “I’m not of the opinion that if my voice is missing from the national conversation the republic will turn awry,” and noted that he doesn’t fear the current administration.
Colbert clarified that while people might speculate about the show’s ending, it wouldn’t diminish the presidency. He emphasized that what he misses most is the camaraderie among his colleagues and the joy of laughter for his audience.