CBS Cancels ‘The Late Show’ with Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert, the popular host of ‘The Late Show’, has announced that CBS will be discontinuing the show in May 2023, bringing its 33-year run to an end. Colbert shared the somber news with his audience at New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater, revealing that the next year would be the show’s last season.
Addressing his audience, Colbert said, “The network will be ending ‘The Late Show’ in May. Yeah, I share your feelings. It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of ‘The Late Show’ on CBS.” The announcement sparked a wave of disappointment in the crowd.
The 61-year-old comedian clarified that he would not be replaced as host and that the show is merely ceasing production. Despite the cancellation, Colbert expressed his gratitude for the support he received from CBS and the show’s loyal audience.
Reactions to the News
Several celebrities and fans expressed their dismay over the cancellation of ‘The Late Show’ on social media. Jon Batiste, the former bandleader for ‘The Late Show’, paid tribute to Stephen Colbert, calling him “the greatest to ever do it.” Director Judd Apatow and journalist Katie Couric also expressed their sadness and support for Colbert.
Stephen Colbert’s Legacy
Colbert took the reins of ‘The Late Show’ in 2015 and quickly became a significant figure in comedy and news satire. He initially gained recognition for his work with Jon Stewart on ‘The Daily Show’ and as host of ‘The Colbert Report’.
Despite the cancellation, ‘The Late Show’ has been performing well with audiences. Nielsen’s recent ratings reveal a gain in viewership this year, with approximately 2.417 million viewers tuning in for 41 new episodes. The show has also received numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for outstanding talk show and a Peabody Award in 2021.
The End of an Era
‘The Late Show’ first aired in 1993 with David Letterman as its host. Over the years, the show has welcomed a myriad of guests, including musicians, movie stars, and politicians. Colbert expressed his disappointment with Paramount Global’s recent settlement of a lawsuit with former U.S. President Donald Trump, calling it a “big fat bribe”.
As CBS prepares to bid farewell to ‘The Late Show’, fans and viewers around the world are eagerly waiting to see what Colbert will do next. Despite the show’s cancellation, the comedian’s talent, wit, and influence remain undisputed in the world of late-night television.
