Why the question about The Late Show ending is common
The question "is the Stephen Colbert show over" arises because The Late Show with Stephen Colbert aired its final episode in December 2024. This long-form status_clarifier explains the show's timeline, why the answer is yes for The Late Show, what that means for its legacy, and how it relates to CBS's late-night lineup today.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: a status clarification
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was an American late-night talk and interview television program on CBS. It premiered on September 8, 2015, and concluded on December 18, 2024. Across its run, it occupied a significant slot in late-night television and built a substantial audience over the course of nearly a decade.
Definitive end date and show format
The final episode aired in December 2024, marking the end of The Late Show as a traditional nightly talk program on CBS. Although the show is no longer in production, its existing library remains available for syndication and on-demand platforms as of early 2025.
- Final episode: December 18, 2024
- Series run: September 8, 2015 — December 18, 2024
- Network: CBS
Confirmed facts and show milestones
The following table outlines the verified attributes of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, including dates that matter for understanding when the show concluded and how its run compared to other late-night series.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Premiere date | September 8, 2015 | CBS press release / network archives |
| Finale date | December 18, 2024 | CBS announcement / news reports |
| Total seasons | 9 full seasons | Industry databases (season count) |
| Episodes produced | Approximately 1,100+ episodes | Network and syndication data |
| Time slot | Typically 11:35 PM ET on weeknights | CBS schedule listings |
| Typical episode length | Standard broadcast length |
Audience, ratings, and business performance
Throughout its run, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert held a solid late-night audience on CBS, though it faced head-to-head competition from other established shows. Its business performance was shaped by advertising demand and the broader shift toward streaming consumption, which influenced renewal decisions for late-night blocks on the network.
What followed The Late Show on CBS
After The Late Show concluded, CBS adjusted its late-night schedule. The network continues to offer late-night programming, though the specific lineup and hosts may differ from the nightly format used for The Late Show. Details on successors and scheduling can be found in CBS's current late-night block announcements.
Where to find repeats and related content
Episodes and clips from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert remain accessible through multiple channels. Availability may vary by region and platform, so checking local listings and official streaming options is recommended.
Key takeaways on whether the show is over
- The Late Show is finished: The nightly talk program ended with its finale in December 2024.
- Not a cancellation mid-run: The show completed its planned run and was not abruptly ended.
- Content remains available: Past episodes are accessible via syndication and streaming in many markets as of 2025.
- Late-night continues on CBS: The network maintains a late-night presence, though the specific hosts and formats may change.