A significant chapter in American television is coming to a close as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert prepares to go off air in May 2025. Unlike typical host transitions, this time the show is ending altogether—with no replacement lined up.

Colbert has fronted the CBS late-night staple since 2015, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in U.S. television. His exit marks a dramatic shift in the late-night talk show landscape, raising questions about the future of the entire genre.

With streaming platforms dominating entertainment and younger audiences turning away from traditional TV, the late-night format—once a reliable source of laughs, commentary, and cultural moments—is facing an existential crisis. Colbert’s departure isn’t an isolated case but may signal a broader trend.

Media analysts and fans alike are now speculating: could this be the beginning of the end for other network talk show titans such as Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, or Jimmy Kimmel?

While no formal announcements have been made about other shows, the writing may be on the wall. As viewer habits continue to evolve, networks may be forced to rethink the relevance—and return on investment—of late-night programming.

For now, the curtain is slowly descending on a once-vibrant format. Whether this is a passing phase or a permanent shift remains to be seen.