Friday, May 22Friday, May 22Stephen Colbert hosted the final episode of *The Late Show* on CBS on Thursday, 21.05.2026, after the network canceled the program in 2025. The cancellation followed Colbert’s frequent criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to widespread speculation that CBS’s decision was influenced by its efforts to align with Trump’s interests. Colbert’s departure was marked by pointed jokes about his forced exit, including references to CBS’s $16 million settlement with Trump over allegations that the network maliciously edited an interview with Kamala Harris .
The final episode featured an all-star lineup, including Paul McCartney, and was described as sentimental, with Colbert thanking audiences for their support while continuing to critique Trump. Celebrities, politicians, and fans paid tribute to Colbert, with figures like Jane Fonda, Bruce Springsteen, and Joe Biden acknowledging his impact. Many viewed the show’s cancellation as part of a broader trend of media suppression tied to Trump’s influence .
Trump publicly celebrated Colbert’s exit, calling him a "total jerk" and claiming his show was unwatchable. He suggested that more late-night hosts would follow Colbert’s departure, framing it as a victory for his administration. Trump’s social media posts derided Colbert’s talent, further fueling perceptions of a politically motivated cancellation . Some analysts, including *France 24*’s Douglas Herbert, interpreted Colbert’s ouster as evidence of Trump’s broader assault on democratic norms in media .
> Background: **CBS cancels The Late Show after 11 seasons amid Trump criticism and economic pressures.** — *20 hours ago*
Trump says more late night talk show hosts to depart after Colbert exit
news.yahoo.com · about 3 hours ago
He made us laugh and he never flinched: America says goodbye to The Late Show and Stephen Colbert Jane Fonda, Bruce Springsteen and Joe Biden are among the names paying tribute to host of cancelled late-night showShare your favorite memories from The Late Show With Stephen ColbertCelebrities, politicians and New Yorkers have paid their respects to Stephen Colbert as The Late Show aired its final episode on Thursday.The long-running chatshow, which started back in 1993, was cancelled last year by CBS, purportedly because of a financial decision. But many believed it was a result of the networks increasing closenesss with Donald Trump, whom Colbert regularly criticised. Continue reading...
theguardian · about 4 hours ago
Podcast: „Auf den Punkt: Ende der Colbert-Show: So hat es in Russland auch angefangen Die Late Show von Stephen Colbert ist abgesetzt. Sehr zur Freude von US-Präsident Trump.
sueddeutsche · about 4 hours ago
Stephen Colberts Abgang: Oh nein, hoffentlich kostet das CBS kein Geld! Stephen Colbert hat seine letzte „Late Show gemacht. Sein letzter Gast legt einen eher müden Auftritt hin. Doch dafür wird es für Colberts Sender CBS, der ihn an die frische Luft gesetzt hat, noch einmal brenzlig.
faz · about 9 hours ago
Hello, Goodbye: Late Show host Stephen Colbert bows out Paul McCartney led an all-star lineup for the final episode of The Late Show as frontman Stephen Colbert bowed out after broadcaster CBS cancelled his show as it courted US President Donald Trump. The show, which Colbert has hosted since 2015, was axed after he mocked the broadcaster for a $16 million settlement with Trump for allegedly maliciously editing an interview with his Democratic election rival Kamala Harris. FRANCE 24s International Affairs Commentator Douglas Herbert tells us more.
france24 · about 9 hours ago
Paul McCartney helps Stephen Colbert say goodbye to Late Show Comedian Stephen Colbert signed off from his late-night talk show on Thursday after 11 seasons with a sentimental chat with Beatles musician Paul McCartney and pointed jokes about his forced departure from CBS. The final installment of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert began with the comic thanking the in-person and television audience for watching his nightly take on current events, often punctuated by verbal jabs at Republican President Donald Trump.
france24 · about 9 hours ago
Starauflauf bei Colberts letzter „Late Show Der US-Satiriker Stephen Colbert hat sich mit einer letzten Ausgabe seiner „Late Show vom Publikum verabschiedet. Zu der Abschiedssendung am Donnerstagabend (Ortszeit) begrüßte der 62-Jährige eine Reihe Prominenter, allen voran Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney. Der US-Sender CBS hatte das Ende der Show im Vorjahr überraschend angekündigt. Branchenkennerinnen und Branchenkenner vermuteten, dass CBS aus Rücksicht auf US-Präsident Donald Trump gehandelt habe.
orf.at · about 11 hours ago
The 9 at 9: Friday Byelection voting begins, Martin to meet Pope Leo XIV and Colbert presented his last Late Show
thejournal · about 11 hours ago
Curtains down: Stephen Colbert bows out of Late Show after Trump pressure Paul McCartney led an all-star lineup for the final episode of The Late Show as host Stephen Colbert bowed out after broadcaster CBS cancelled his show as it courted US President Donald Trump. FRANCE 24s Douglas Herbert notes that Colberts exit could be seen as evidence of Trumps full-frontal assault on US democracy.
france24 · about 11 hours ago
Late Show host Colbert bows out with a little help from Paul McCartney, Trump exults Former Beatles Paul McCartney led an all-star lineup for the final episode of The Late Show as host Stephen Colbert bowed out after broadcaster CBS cancelled his show as it courted US President Donald Trump. Thank goodness hes finally gone, Trump said Friday in a social media post that derided the beloved American comedians talent.
france24 · about 11 hours ago
Trump celebrates end of total jerk Stephen Colberts show in scathing post President Trump claimed that Colbert was like a dead person and that any person off of the street would be better than him
independent · about 12 hours ago