Stephen Colbert Concludes His Tenure on CBS’ ‘The Late Show’

Stephen Colbert’s final year as the host of CBS’ famed ‘The Late Show’ saw relentless critiques of President Donald Trump and featured numerous left-wing talking points. His tenure, marked by celebrity endorsements, ends on Thursday night.

Colbert took over ‘The Late Show’ after David Letterman’s departure in 2015. Under Colbert, the show transformed into a platform for the anti-Trump resistance, with frequent attacks on the administration and support for Democratic policies.

In July 2025, CBS announced it would cancel ‘The Late Show.’ Colbert responded by removing his gloves, vowing a candid final season which concluded on May 21. After Trump mocked the cancellation, Colbert responded unreservedly on air. His outspoken style brought like-minded guests from networks such as MSNBC and CNN, as well as liberal celebrities and political figures.

Former President Barack Obama humorously remarked that Colbert could do better in the Oval Office, as the show frequently welcomed Democratic leaders, including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and others. Hollywood figures like Mark Ruffalo and Jane Fonda made appearances, with Bette Midler performing a parody song during the finale.

Throughout, Colbert’s criticism of CBS continued. He accused the network of bending to Trump’s influence, especially following a controversial settlement between CBS’ parent company, Paramount, and Trump. Colbert used humor on his show to address the corporate maneuvers involving the network’s sale to Skydance Media, protesting the decisions publicly.

Colbert faced complications when an interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico was blocked from airing on television due to equal-time policies. Instead, the interview was posted online, sparking speculation about strategic publicity efforts. CBS denied claims of favoritism.

Colbert’s ongoing disputes with CBS culminated in his final weeks, leading many to suspect political motives behind the show’s cancellation. His critique often included satirical sketches, such as one with Letterman where they humorously destroyed network paraphernalia.

Despite the high drama, audience members noted that the heavy focus on Colbert as an individual diminished the broader relevance of the show. As Colbert ended his run, the discourse centered as much on his political efficacy as on entertainment value. Contributors to Fox News Digital provided additional coverage and insights on these events.