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The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
late-night talk show · variety series
Also known as The Late Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
5 stories · latest Oct 1, 2026 · TV & Film
About The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert is a long-running late-night talk show and variety series broadcast on CBS and hosted by veteran comedian Stephen Colbert. Originally launching in 2015, the franchise featured key behind-the-scenes creative leadership over the years, including directors Jim Hoskinson and Yvonne De Mare.
In mid-July 2025, network executives notified the show's production team of its cancellation, coming just three days after De Mare officially took over as main director following Hoskinson's retirement. The series completed its final season and aired an emotional final episode in May 2026, bringing an end to Colbert's extensive tenure behind the late-night desk.
Following its final broadcast, the franchise achieved notable postseason awards success, winning a Creative Arts Emmy for its digital companion project Colbert Before Air and taking home the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series. During the awards season, Colbert posted a viral campaign video encouraging voters to back rival Jimmy Kimmel before using his Emmy acceptance speech to plead with entertainment producers to hire his out-of-work crew.
- Coverage of the series centers heavily on its cancellation by CBS, behind-the-scenes director transitions, and its subsequent Emmy Awards campaign and wins.
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The Late Show With Stephen Colbert timeline
Aug 19, 2026
Newly promoted director Yvonne De Mare learned of the show's cancellation three days after taking over the director's chair in July 2025.
Stephen Colbert's Director Details Chaos After Learning 'Late Show' Was Canceled 3 Days Into JobAug 26, 2026
Host Stephen Colbert released a viral video urging Emmy voters to support late-night competitor Jimmy Kimmel instead of his own show.
Stephen Colbert Demands Emmy Voters Support Rival Jimmy Kimmel In Viral VideoSep 6, 2026
The franchise scored two Creative Arts Emmy victories, including an award for its digital companion project Colbert Before Air.
Stephen Colbert And Desi Lydic Pull Off Shocking Emmy Night UpsetsSep 15, 2026
The series won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Series for its final season as host Stephen Colbert asked Hollywood to hire his crew.
Bittersweet Victory! Stephen Colbert Snags Emmy For Canceled 'Late Show' And Pleads With Hollywood To Hire His Crew
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The Late Show With Stephen Colbert: your questions
When did The Late Show With Stephen Colbert air its final episode?
The series aired its final episode in May 2026 after CBS pulled the plug on the long-running late-night program.
What Emmys did The Late Show With Stephen Colbert win after being canceled?
The series won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Series for its farewell season, while digital companion project Colbert Before Air won for Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama Or Variety Series.
Who directed The Late Show With Stephen Colbert?
Longtime director Jim Hoskinson directed the show before retiring, and Yvonne De Mare took over the director's chair in mid-July 2025.
Why did Stephen Colbert urge Emmy voters to support Jimmy Kimmel?
Colbert posted a cinematic video message across social media begging voters to pick late-night competitor Jimmy Kimmel instead of promoting his own show.