The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is ending but fans still have one last chance to be part of TV history.NH

It would not be an overstatement to say that it’s the end of an era at the Ed Sullivan Theater—and a bittersweet farewell to one of late-night television’s most resonant voices. New York City has been a ghost town this summer, and soon, the Ed Sullivan Theater will be empty as well.

Colbert show cancellation

CBS announced this summer that it will sunset The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after the 2025–2026 season, closing the curtain on what has been the most-watched late-night show for nearly a decade. The final episode is slated for May 2026, and if catching Colbert live has long lingered on your bucket list, the clock is ticking.

The news landed with a thud—and not just for viewers. A visibly emotional Colbert shared the announcement with a stunned audience last night. “Next year will be our last season,” he said, met with groans and disbelief. “This is all just going away.”

As a long-time New Yorker who has only had the chance to see the show live once, I immediately thought about how to get Colbert Late Show tickets for the final season. I’m sure I’m not the only one with that thought, so here’s a bit of background on the situation and info on how to get Late Show with Stephen Colbert tickets.

Why is The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ending?

According to reporting by the New York Times, CBS maintains that the decision was strictly financial, citing sagging ad revenue and the soaring costs of producing nightly television. Yet the timing has drawn scrutiny. The announcement follows close on the heels of a $16 million lawsuit settlement between CBS’s parent company, Paramount, and Donald Trump—whom Colbert famously and frequently critiqued—and comes as the network navigates a high-profile merger with Skydance Media that’s still under regulatory review.

While CBS insists politics didn’t play a role, some lawmakers aren’t convinced. There are also (unfounded) rumors about Stephen Colbert going to CNN for a show with Rachel Maddow.

Really, why is CBS cancelling Late Night with Stephen Colbert?

Most people aren’t buying the reason that CBS laid out above, and there is a lot of pushback to the announcement. Several Democratic lawmakers are raising alarms over what they suggest may be a politically motivated backroom deal. Some accuse Paramount of quietly orchestrating a quid pro quo with the Trump administration to grease the wheels for its multi-billion-dollar merger with Skydance Media. Former Late Night host, David Letterman called the situation ‘BS’.

Industry and political pushback to the Late Night Show cancellation

Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), who had just finished taping with Colbert when the news broke, didn’t mince words. “America deserves better,” he posted on X Thursday. “If Paramount and CBS ended The Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know.”

The Writers Guild of America, which represents some staffers on The Late Show, echoed that concern in a Friday statement, according to Politico. While acknowledging that cancellations are sometimes par for the course in the industry, the union emphasized that this particular show stands out as one of CBS’s “most successful, beloved, and profitable” programs.

The WGA urged New York State Attorney General Letitia James to join her California counterparts in investigating what the guild has described as a “bribe”—a chilling trade of free speech in exchange for political favor.

Hollywood pushes back to The Late Show cancellation

Hollywood isn’t happy with the news and everyone from Jimmy Fallon to Seth Meyers has weighed in with their outrage. With Jimmy Kimmel saying “F*** You” to CBS over the matter, it’s unlikely that this is the last we’ll hear on it from other late night hosts.

What is happening to late-night TV?

Whatever the reasons, this current announcement could be signaling a broader industry shift. If Colbert has won over 50 Emmy nominations – and his Late Show picked up two Emmy Awards last year – what does this mean if such a successful show could still be cancelled? Traditional late-night programming, once a cultural mainstay, is fading fast. Fewer shows air. Fewer are even submitted for Emmys. And with The Late Show—launched by David Letterman in 1993—bowing out, another torchbearer of the genre dims.

Colbert took the helm in 2015, quickly anchoring the show in sharp wit and journalistic rigor, particularly during the tumultuous Trump years. Even as streaming splintered viewership across platforms, The Late Show remained a reliable nightly ritual for millions. That fiercely loyal audience is now clamoring for one last visit to the theater before the lights go out.

What did Stephen Colbert say last night?

The day after the cancellation was announced, Donald Trump posted, “I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings.”

In his first show back since learning his show was cancelled (and since hearing Trump’s remarks), Stephen Colbert was unfiltered. Last night, Stephen Colbert said on-air: “Go f— yourself,” aimed squarely at Trump’s upbeat reaction.

The audience erupted in cheers and Colbert’s partners in late-night solidarity rallied too: Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and others used their own platforms to condemn CBS’ move. Jimmy Kimmel even said “F—- You” to CBS.“

How to get tickets to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Colbert show tickets are released via 1iota.com, typically on Thursdays for the following week’s tapings. You’ll need to create an account and request a date, though spots aren’t guaranteed.

If selected, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the key details: arrival time, dress code, and ID requirements. Shows tape Monday through Thursday, and seating is first-come, first-served. Pro tip: arrive early. All attendees must be at least 16 years old.

Also keep in mind that even if you don’t score tickets in the initial lottery, you can still sign up for the waitlist.

How much are tickets for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert?

Though you need an official ticket to catch the taping, Late Show tickets are actually free. So if you’ve ever wanted to be part of late-night history—or simply watch one of television’s sharpest minds work his magic in person—this is your moment.

Stephen Colbert last show date

While it was announced that filming would end after this current season (which is currently set for May, 2026), there was no specific last show date of the Stephen Colbert show. That may change as the date approaches, but for now, plan on Stephen Colbert’s last show date being some time at the end of May, 2026.

Again, you can get Late Show with Stephen Colbert tickets from 1iota.com, which are typically released on Thursdays for the following week’s tapings.

Jimmy Kimmel’s show is indefinitely cancelled

On September 17, news rocked the internet that ABS would be immediately and indefinitely pulling Jimmy Kimmel’s show off the air in response to on-air comments he made about the Charlie Kirk killing. Just like celebrities spoke out in defense of Colbert, Hollywood is standing firm with Kimmel.

Is Jimmy Fallon going to be cancelled?

When news that Colbert’s show would be cancelled, President Trump alleged that “no-talent” Kimmel and “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon would be the next to go. While this hasn’t happened yet, millions of eyes are glued to screens to see who’s censored next.

Will the FCC cancel other shows?

While no other official show cancellations have been announced, rumors are swirling about who may be next on the chopping block. However, the same FCC chair who suggested Kimmel’s suspension alluded to the popular morning talk show, The View being next for scrutiny.