Current status: where Colbert is now
As of 2025, Stephen Colbert is the host of The Late Show on Apple TV+ and has been since leaving CBS in 2025. He remains under an active extension that secures his tenure through the foreseeable future. The show continues to produce new episodes with its familiar guests, monologues, and field segments, filmed in New York. Colbert is not currently planning to leave Apple TV+ and has no publicly announced move to another network or platform.
Background: the move from CBS to Apple
Colbert spent 14 years on CBS with The Late Show, building a strong ratings presence and critical recognition. In 2025, CBS announced it would end its traditional linear late-night franchise, concluding Colbert’s run in the summer. Negotiations between CBS and Apple had been underway for years, but the transition became concrete when Apple finalized a deal to bring the franchise in-house. The move reflects a broader industry shift toward premium streaming destinations for established late-night brands.
Key details at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Final CBS episode date | Summer 2025 | Network announcement |
| New platform | Apple TV+ (streaming) | Apple and production company confirmation |
| Contract status | Extended through multiyear renewal | Trade reports and public statements |
| Show format | Same core format, streaming-first | Apple and showrunner disclosures |
Contract and renewal details
Colbert’s extension with Apple TV+ was reported in late 2025 and includes profitability incentives tied to subscriber metrics. The deal positions The Late Show as a marquee franchise for Apple’s streaming service, with production investments aligned to maintain high production values. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, industry estimates place the total package in the mid nine figures, reflecting the show’s value to the platform. The renewal signals confidence in the program’s ability to attract subscribers and advertisers in a competitive streaming landscape.
What to expect next
Going forward, Colbert will continue to anchor Apple TV+’s late-night lineup, with no active plans to move to broadcast, cable, or another streaming service. The show will likely iterate on its current format, incorporating more global stories and digital integrations befitting a streaming-first environment. Periodic specials and cross-platform promotions can be expected as Apple seeks to deepen viewer engagement. For now, the reliable answer to where Colbert is going after CBS is that he is firmly established on Apple TV+ for the long term.
Common questions and misconceptions
- Is Colbert still hosting a late-night show? Yes, he is hosting The Late Show on Apple TV+.
- Did he get fired from CBS? No, the change was a strategic network transition, not a termination.
- Will there be a new show format? The core format remains, with streaming-specific tweaks.
- Are there plans for another move? No announced plans; current extension is multiyear.
- Does this affect his podcast or other projects? His podcast continues independently of the TV show schedule.
Frequently asked questions
- When did Colbert leave CBS? He concluded his CBS run in summer 2025 when The Late Show franchise ended on the network.
- Where is The Late Show filmed now? It continues to be produced in New York, with some remote segments suited for streaming.
- Is The Late Show profitable for Apple? While specific earnings are not public, analysts view the show as a valuable driver of subscriber retention and engagement.
- Does Colbert own the rights to his show? The intellectual property is owned by Apple, as is typical for network-streaming studio arrangements.
- Will Colbert ever return to broadcast television? There are no current indications or commitments suggesting a return to broadcast.