commentary
We'll see Stephen Colbert again, but his broadcast exit closes out David Letterman's absurdist TV legacy
Senior Culture Critic
Published
May 21, 2026 12:00PM (EDT)
We'll see Stephen Colbert again, but his broadcast exit closes out David Letterman's absurdist TV legacy
commentary
We'll see Stephen Colbert again, but his broadcast exit closes out David Letterman's absurdist TV legacy
Senior Culture Critic
Published
May 21, 2026 12:00PM (EDT)

There may be a day again when TV executives have the backbone to support a show like Colbert’s. But The Late Show will be gone.

The last episode of CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” airs Thursday, nearly 11 years after famed David Letterman handed…

Late-night television is currently in the ICU of the TV world, and it’s doubtful whether it’ll make it out alive.

Letterman, 79, hosted the show from its inception in 1993 until 2015.

Stephen Colbert is officially signing off and ending his 11-year run on \

This Thursday marks the end of an era for The Late Show – a beloved US cultural touchstone which is about to disappear. Here's…

David Letterman reacts to the end of Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’