Stephen Colbert’s Next Move After ‘The Late Show’ Cancellation

Stephen Colbert unexpectedly found himself at the center of attention in late-night television when The Late Show was canceled in July 2025. Colleagues and fellow comedians bid him farewell, while many viewers expressed their dissatisfaction with CBS for dismantling a beloved program. What’s next for Stephen after the conclusion of his late-night run?

Discover Stephen’s upcoming projects and opportunities following the end of The Late Show.

What Led to the Cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert?

CBS, under the ownership of Paramount Skydance, stated that the cancellation of The Late Show was a “purely financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late-night television” and emphasized that it was “not related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or other issues at Paramount.”

Many industry insiders and fans hold a different perspective.

In fact, just weeks prior to the show’s cancellation, CBS had settled a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump. The lawsuit stemmed from accusations that the network had edited Kamala Harris’s appearance on 60 Minutes.

Despite his amicable demeanor towards CBS executives, Stephen shared his thoughts with The Hollywood Reporter regarding the dynamics between the network and the former president.

“Many people believe there is more to this story [for my cancelation]. As I have expressed, there is a reason for such beliefs — the network had previously issued a $16 million check [to the Trump administration],” Stephen remarked. “My cancellation contributed to a narrative that CBS had already established, as even their own legal team acknowledged there was no justification for the payment, yet they proceeded without explanation, only to later secure their broadcast license.”

What Opportunities Await Stephen Colbert Following His Show?

Before the cancellation, Stephen had already secured a new role. He agreed to co-write the script for The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past approximately a year prior to the end of The Late Show. An ardent LOTR enthusiast, he will collaborate with his son, Peter McGee, and series screenwriter Philippa Boyens on this screenplay.

Producer Peter Jackson announced Stephen’s participation in the film through a social media video released just weeks before the final episode of The Late Show.

“It took me a few years to gather enough courage to reach out, but about two years ago, I did,” Stephen recounted. “You were interested enough to discuss it with me, and since then, we have been working with the brilliant Philippa Boyens to develop this story.”

Shadow of the Past is set to premiere after the upcoming film, The Hunt of Gollum, which is scheduled to hit theaters next year.

Shortly after the conclusion of The Late Show, Stephen made a return to late-night television with an appearance on a local station in Michigan.

Was Stephen Colbert Succeeded by Another Host?

No, CBS chose to cancel The Late Show entirely rather than replacing Stephen as the host. Nonetheless, the network decided to fill his late-night time slot with another program.

Comedian and entrepreneur Byron Allen will take over the time slot with his show Comics Unleashed.