Colbert's Late Show Ends Amidst Wormhole Chaos

Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show" aired its final episode on May 22, 2026, concluding a decade on air. The broadcast featured a humorous exchange with Paul McCartney, beginning with a fictional papal guest canceling due to snack preferences. The show's farewell was dramatically punctuated by a "wormhole" that progressively consumed the studio, band, and audience, incorporating cameos from fellow late-night hosts.

The cancellation, announced in July 2025, was officially attributed to financial reasons by CBS and its parent company, Paramount. However, widespread speculation suggests other factors, including Colbert's outspoken criticism of Donald Trump and a controversial $16 million settlement by Paramount concerning a lawsuit filed by Trump. Trump himself publicly celebrated the news of the cancellation.

Despite these controversies, "The Late Show" received an Emmy for best talk show less than two months after the cancellation announcement. Colbert reflected on the show's evolution, noting it became a "comedy show about loss." He later suggested to The Hollywood Reporter that the network's actions reinforced a narrative of compliance, particularly after the settlement.

Colbert's future plans include co-writing a "Lord of the Rings" installment and potentially creating another show with his "Late Show" collaborators. He expressed a desire to stay "in front of the lens," indicating continued ambition in television and performance.