Stephen Colbert became one of late night television’s most recognizable hosts during his 11-season run on The Late Show, leading CBS’s flagship late-night franchise from New York City’s Ed Sullivan Theater beginning in 2015. But in 2026, Colbert’s salary and net worth have become major topics of conversation following CBS’s decision to end The Late Show entirely after decades on the network.
The cancellation sparked backlash online, especially after Paramount settled its lawsuit with Donald Trump for $16 million months earlier. While CBS insisted the decision was “purely a financial decision” tied to the changing economics of late-night television, some fans and media figures questioned the timing. During a July 2025 taping, Colbert told viewers, “It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS,” adding, “I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.”
Colbert also thanked the show’s roughly 200 staffers and said he wished someone else could continue the franchise.
As the series officially concludes on May 21, 2026, learn more below about how much money Colbert made at CBS and what led to The Late Show’s cancellation.
What Is Stephen Colbert’s Net Worth Now?
As of May 2026, Colbert has a net worth of $75 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
What Is Stephen Colbert’s Late Show Salary?
Colbert is reportedly making a $15 million annual salary as the host of The Late Show.
Why Was The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Canceled?
CBS executives called The Late Show‘s cancelation a “financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” inviting that it “is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
Still, the network’s decision raised eyebrows. According to CBS News, the network even acknowledged that The Late Show has been the No. 1 in late-night comedy for nine consecutive seasons.
“Our admiration, affection, and respect for the talents of Stephen Colbert and his incredible team made this agonizing decision even more difficult,” CBS’ statement read. “With much gratitude, we look forward to honoring Stephen and celebrating the show over the next 10 months alongside its millions of fans and viewers,” the network said.”
“I’ve had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you in front of this camera for the last 10 years,” the comedian continued. “It is a fantastic job. I wish somebody else was getting it. It’s a job that I’m looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months.”