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Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' Exit Rumored for 2025

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 15:24 GMT by Fox News

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The Clock Ticking on Colbert? Industry Whispers Suggest 'Late Show' Exit in 2025 Could Reshape Late Night

The late-night landscape, already shifting and evolving, is bracing for a potential seismic event: Stephen Colbert’s departure from CBS’ The Late Show in 2025. While neither CBS nor Colbert have officially confirmed the news, a growing chorus of industry insiders and reports suggest a deal could see him leaving after his contract expires, sending shockwaves through the media world and prompting speculation about who might fill the void. The Fox News article, drawing on conversations with sources within CBS and the entertainment industry, paints a picture of a complex situation driven by financial pressures, Colbert’s own ambitions, and a changing television ecosystem.

The initial report stemmed from The Ankler, a subscription-based media newsletter, which first broke the news that Colbert was considering leaving and that CBS was preparing for his possible exit. According to these sources, Colbert has been exploring other opportunities, including potentially moving into documentary filmmaking or focusing on longer-form projects. He reportedly views The Late Show as having run its course and is looking for a fresh creative challenge. The Fox News report corroborates this, citing multiple individuals familiar with the discussions who claim that while Colbert enjoys his work, he's also feeling the strain of maintaining a nightly show in the current media climate.

Financial Realities & Shifting Viewership:

The potential departure isn’t happening in a vacuum. CBS is facing significant financial pressures. The network has been aggressively cutting costs across its operations, and late-night television, once a reliable ratings powerhouse, has seen viewership decline significantly. While The Late Show with Stephen Colbert initially enjoyed a surge in popularity following the 2016 election, capitalizing on Colbert’s sharp political commentary, that audience has gradually eroded. The rise of streaming services and changing viewing habits have fragmented the late-night landscape, making it harder to capture and retain large audiences.

The Fox News article highlights the cost associated with Colbert's show – reportedly in excess of $15 million annually. With ratings down, CBS is likely weighing the financial benefits of keeping Colbert versus exploring a more budget-friendly alternative. While Colbert remains a respected figure, his show isn’t delivering the returns it once did, especially when compared to other programming options. As noted in an article linked within the Fox News piece, The Late Show has seen its average viewership drop considerably over the years, particularly amongst younger demographics who increasingly consume content online.

Colbert's Legacy & The Political Landscape:

Stephen Colbert’s tenure at The Late Show has been defined by his pointed political satire and sharp critiques of former President Donald Trump. He successfully revived a flagging franchise after inheriting it from David Letterman, injecting it with a more overtly progressive sensibility. His show became a refuge for those seeking comedic relief and analysis during turbulent times. However, the intensely political nature of Colbert’s brand also contributed to the audience fragmentation. While his staunchly liberal views resonated with a core demographic, they alienated others, limiting the show's overall appeal.

The changing political climate is also likely playing a role in Colbert’s decision. With Trump no longer occupying the presidency, the immediate urgency and comedic fodder that fueled much of Colbert’s early success has diminished. He still tackles current events, but without the same readily available target for satire, maintaining the show's initial energy and relevance proves more challenging.

The Search Begins: Potential Replacements & The Future of CBS Late Night:

CBS is reportedly already exploring potential replacements for Colbert. While names haven’t been definitively leaked, industry speculation points to a range of possibilities, from established comedians like Trevor Noah (who previously hosted The Daily Show) to up-and-coming talents. Securing a successor who can capture the same audience and maintain the show's unique brand will be a crucial challenge for CBS.

The departure would represent a significant shift in late-night television. Colbert’s influence extends beyond his own show, shaping the tone and style of political comedy across various platforms. His exit would leave a void that is unlikely to be easily filled. It also signals a broader trend within the industry: the increasing pressure on late-night shows to justify their high costs and adapt to evolving audience preferences. The Fox News article suggests CBS will likely look for someone with a more broadly appealing comedic style, potentially moving away from the overtly political slant that has defined Colbert's era.

Uncertainty Remains:

Despite the mounting evidence suggesting Colbert’s impending departure, uncertainty remains. Negotiations could still change, and both Colbert and CBS have kept their cards close to their chests. However, the widespread reporting and industry chatter strongly indicate that 2025 could mark a significant turning point for The Late Show and the broader late-night landscape. The coming months will be crucial as CBS prepares its next move and Stephen Colbert charts his future course.

This article aims to comprehensively summarize the Fox News report while incorporating context from linked articles, providing a fuller understanding of the situation surrounding Stephen Colbert’s potential departure from The Late Show.