Current status and contract end date
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is scheduled to run through its ninth season in 2024, with the final episode airing on December 18, 2024. This reflects an earlier CBS contract timeline and the show’s planned conclusion after roughly ten years on air. Colbert has indicated he will step away from the desk following this season, moving from late night toward new creative endeavors. The show will conclude its run on the West Coast at 12:37 a.m. ET, following the traditional late-night scheduling for the franchise.
Contract timeline and renewal history
Stephen Colbert’s tenure with CBS includes multiple extensions that shaped the show’s current endpoint. Below is a concise overview of key contract milestones, season years, and approximate dates that frame the show’s run.
| Contract/Season | Period | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | September 2015–May 2016 | Premiere and initial 13-week test |
| Renewal 1 | 2016 | Extended through Season 4 |
| Renewal 2 | 2018 | Extended through Season 6 |
| Renewal 3 | 2020 | Extended through Season 8 |
| Renewal 4 | December 2022 | Season 9 confirmed as final season, finale December 18, 2024 |
Host history and transition context
Stephen Colbert took over The Late Show in September 2015, following David Letterman’s departure. Before hosting Late Night, Colbert was known for The Colbert Report, a satirical news show that ended in 2014. His move to CBS prime time represented a shift from parody to direct late-night commentary within a major network framework. The final season reflects an intentional close to this chapter, with the show maintaining its signature mix of interviews, comedy, and musical guests through its conclusion.
What to expect from the final season
Season 9 emphasizes reflective storytelling, career retrospectives, and experimental segments that depart from traditional late-night formats. Guest lists blend longtime collaborators with new voices, and musical performances lean toward catalog highlights and new material aligned with Colbert’s broader creative interests. Viewers should anticipate a measured pace focused on quality over hype, culminating in a planned finale that honors the show’s structure while signaling Colbert’s next professional direction.
Beyond the finale: future projects and legacy
After The Late Show ends, Colbert intends to pursue selective projects, including potential documentary work, limited series, and digital ventures. CBS has not announced a direct replacement host or immediate format changes for the time slot. The departure leaves a noticeable gap in the late-night landscape, particularly for audiences who value monologue-driven commentary and long-form interviews. Legacy-wise, the show is remembered for its consistency, topical jokes, and a host willing to pivot between humor and serious cultural critique.
Quick comparison: The Late Show end date versus other late-night shows
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: final episode December 18, 2024 (Season 9).
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: ongoing; no announced end date.
- Late Night with Seth Meyers: ongoing; no announced end date.
- The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: transitioned in 2024; successor announced as Jon Stewart returning for limited seasons.