The Late Show With Stephen Colbert hit a major milestone this weekend, proving CBS made the wrong choice in ending the franchise for good. The Late Show first aired in 1993 with David Letterman as host before Colbert took over the role in 2015. Ten years later, CBS canceled The Late Show.
The network claimed The Late Show‘s cancellation was a financial decision, but fans immediately grew suspicious. After all, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert was the most-watched late-night program in its time slot. On top of that, it was the only late-night show to increase its viewership over the course of 2025.
Other late-night hosts have come to Colbert’s defense. Jimmy Kimmel was publicly suspicious of CBS’ claim that The Late Show is losing $40 million per year. The Daily Show host Jon Stewart went on a curse-filled tirade, implying CBS had actually made a political decision after settling a lawsuit with President Donald Trump.
Now, the TV industry at large has come together to send a clear message to CBS: The Late Show should not have been canceled. After this weekend’s events, hopefully CBS will take the hint.
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Won A Creative Arts Emmy
For the first time since Colbert took over as host in 2015, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert has won an Emmy Award. Jim Hoskinson took home the show’s first Emmy statuette at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards for outstanding directing for a variety series. The show has also been nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series, the winner of which will be announced on September 14, 2025.
Maybe if CBS had realized they had an Emmy-winning show on their hands, they wouldn’t have canceled the late-night institution. This award is also a clear indication that people want The Late Show to continue on. It may have taken ten years to get an award, but Colbert is right where he’s supposed to be on The Late Show.
CBS Can Still Save The Late Show
Luckily, CBS has time to reverse its mistake. The Late Show will not be off the air until May, giving the network plenty of time to renew the show for another season. Plus, The Late Show‘s Emmy win isn’t the only indication audiences want to see Colbert remain as a late-night host.
Colbert will appear on Elsbeth season 3, portraying a fictional late-night host. After a long-standing career on The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and The Late Show (among others), it’s clear Colbert belongs on a late-night stage. If CBS wants to stick with their decision, another network should give Colbert a show.
Source: CBS TV Studios/Instagram
