Stephen Colbert’s announcement that The Late Show will conclude in May 2026 has sparked debate over the future of the iconic American late-night talk show format.

Colbert, who has hosted the CBS program since 2015, revealed this week that the show would not return — not due to a change in host, but because the show is being canceled altogether. His departure may signal a wider shift, raising questions about the future of other major hosts like Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jimmy Fallon.

Television critic Emma Bullimore points out that while late-night talk shows have long been a cultural staple in the US — admired internationally — they’re now struggling to stay relevant in a fast-evolving media landscape. “It’s like imagining British TV without its soap operas,” she says. “It’s a big shift.”

Audience reactions were mixed. Some expressed nostalgia, calling The Late Show an “institution,” while others reflected on the wider implications for the media industry.

One major challenge is that the traditional talk show format — nightly, topical, and reliant on celebrity guests — doesn’t translate well to modern viewing habits. Frances Taylor from Radio Times explains that their shelf life is too short: “They’re outdated within 24 hours, unlike bingeable shows or documentaries that thrive on streaming platforms.”

Moreover, celebrity booking has become increasingly difficult. With YouTube, TikTok, and other social platforms offering more casual and controlled publicity opportunities, stars and their PR teams often prefer those over the unpredictability of live television interviews.

While some segments like James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke or Fallon’s musical games found viral success, they were the exception, not the rule. Even Colbert’s YouTube following, though solid at 10 million subscribers, lags behind Fallon’s 32 million and Kimmel’s 20 million.

Television economics also plays a role. Producing a nightly talk show is expensive, with large crews, sets, and celebrity fees. By comparison, digital creators produce similar content with minimal resources — and often greater engagement.

Despite these challenges, The Late Show remained one of CBS’s top programs, averaging 2.57 million viewers in 2024. Colbert’s pointed critiques of Donald Trump during his presidency even boosted ratings. Which is why some are questioning if the cancellation was politically motivated.

The timing has raised eyebrows. The announcement came just days after CBS’s parent company, Paramount, settled with Trump over a controversy involving 60 Minutes. Democratic senators, including Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren, suggested the decision could be politically influenced. However, CBS insists it was “purely financial” and not related to the show’s content or performance.

As the traditional model falters, the path forward may be digital. Colbert might follow the route of other personalities like Piers Morgan, whose talk show successfully transitioned to YouTube. Or perhaps he could take inspiration from David Letterman, whose Netflix series has drawn A-list guests despite its slower pace and less frequent episodes.

There’s also one unexplored frontier: podcasting. Colbert is among the few prominent hosts yet to launch a personal podcast — a medium where many former TV figures are finding new success.

As networks reimagine the future of entertainment, it’s clear the age of the late-night TV talk show is fading. But its legacy — and its stars — may live on in new formats.