Stephen Colbert exited The Late Show in May 2026, and it was a tough blow for fans of late-night. Yet, he was looking ahead to another project and felt good about it, but is it on the line now? Keep reading for more details on what could be going down.
Stephen Colbert Had Planned A New Future
Having The Late Show end was sad for Stephen Colbert, his staff, and the fans. He had hosted it for eleven seasons, but the show as a whole began in 1993 with David Letterman. Therefore, it was an institution that had come to a sad close. Regardless, he made the most of his final days and even had plans for after the curtain went down. He was going to work on the new Lord of the Rings film alongside his son Peter McGee and Philippa Boyens, who is a screenwriter. Unfortunately, that may have all been put on pause for the foreseeable future.
Allegedly, David Ellison, who now owns Warner Bros. and Lord of the Rings, has put the kibosh on this project. Some may recall that it was David who helped end The Late Show when he acquired CBS, although no one will take full responsibility. That being said, Stephen’s movie could now be on the line, and so could his post-show dreams. According to Showbiz 411, this is not looking good, but fans still seem to want more Colbert. Therefore, he could always shop his show around again, if that is what he wants.
Stephen Colbert just appeared on Jimmy Kimmel, and viewers were thrilled to see him again. They immediately stated how great it was to have him on their televisions, even for a night. So, this could be the push he needs to find a new late-night home.
Just What He Needs
It can be hard to go back after such a disastrous ending. However, Stephen Colbert has seen how much people love and appreciate him. Furthermore, he sees that they do not want late-night television without him on it:
- Felt good to see and hear Stephen
- Love you, Stephen! Jimmy, thanks for bringing him on! You are both sanity savers!
- I love the love these two have for each other. Great interview. Miss you Stephen!!
- seeing colbert after long time and I feel like crying i missed him so much, i only started watching his last year and loved him so much and this year he leaves the show, I can’t put it into words I much missed him and his show
Hopefully, Stephen Colbert does get to follow his dreams, whatever they may be, and is not derailed. What do you think is next for him? Let us know in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.