5 Shocking Revelations From Stephen Colbert Last Night: The Final Episode Of 2025 And The Cancellation Bombshell
The December 18, 2025, episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was a momentous one, serving as the final broadcast of the calendar year and, more dramatically, airing in the direct aftermath of the shocking news that CBS has canceled the show. This confluence of events—a holiday tradition mixed with the end of an era—created a unique, somber, yet deeply satirical atmosphere in the Ed Sullivan Theater. The show's host, Stephen Colbert, faced the audience and the world with his signature blend of biting political commentary and heartfelt sincerity, making "last night's" broadcast one for the late-night history books.
The immediate buzz surrounding the show was not about a specific guest or a viral sketch, but the massive, industry-rattling announcement: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude its run in May 2026. This news, which dominated broadcast TV headlines on Thursday, December 18, 2025, transformed the final episode of the year into an unexpected farewell of sorts, forcing Colbert to address the future of the highest-rated late-night talk show on television. The episode was packed with subtle references and a major segment that now carries immense sentimental weight.
The Stephen Colbert Biography and Career Profile
Stephen Colbert is one of the most influential figures in modern American late-night television. His career is marked by sharp political satire and a transition from a satirical persona to a more authentic, yet equally incisive, host.
- Full Name: Stephen Tyrone Colbert
- Date of Birth: May 13, 1964
- Place of Birth: Washington, D.C.
- Education: Hampden-Sydney College (attended), Northwestern University (B.A. in Theater)
- Early Career: Began in improv comedy with The Second City in Chicago.
- Breakthrough Role: Correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (1997–2005).
- Iconic Show 1: The Colbert Report (2005–2014) on Comedy Central, where he played a right-wing pundit persona.
- Current Show: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015–Present) on CBS, succeeding David Letterman.
- Show's End Date: Scheduled to conclude in May 2026.
- Awards: Multiple Emmy Awards, including several for his work on both The Colbert Report and The Late Show.
The Cancellation Bombshell: Why CBS Is Ending The Late Show
The biggest story of "last night" was the stunning announcement from CBS and Paramount that The Late Show would be canceled, with the final episode set for May 2026. This news came as a shock to the industry, considering Colbert's show has consistently been broadcast TV’s highest-rated late-night program, often beating competitors like Jimmy Kimmel.
A "Financial Decision" Ends a Nearly 10-Year Run
CBS cited a "financial decision" for the cancellation, though the timing—as Paramount explores major corporate restructuring—has led to intense speculation about the true motives. The end date will mark nearly 10 years on the air for Colbert in the Late Show chair, a tenure that began when he took over from the legendary David Letterman in 2015. The news sparked immediate, wide-ranging commentary, particularly from political figures who have been frequent targets of Colbert’s sharp satire.
The reaction from Donald Trump, a frequent subject of Colbert's monologues, was immediately highlighted by news outlets. The former President predictably gloated over the cancellation, adding a layer of political intrigue and drama to what was already a major pop culture event. Colbert’s team masterfully used this real-world drama to frame Thursday’s monologue, addressing the elephant in the room with both humor and poignancy.
Key Segments and Monologue Topics from December 18, 2025
Despite the massive news, the show had to go on. The December 18th episode was the final new broadcast of 2025, and Stephen Colbert made sure to pack it with topical humor and a beloved holiday tradition. The monologue focused heavily on the political chaos and pop culture entities of the week, including several specific, fresh topics that trended across social media.
1. Trump’s Fitness Test and Political Commentary
Colbert dedicated a significant portion of his opening to the latest political developments, including a segment titled "Trump's Fitness Test." This satirical take allowed Colbert to dissect the current political landscape with his typical biting wit, using the headlines to set up punchlines that resonated with his largely liberal audience. He also continued his recent coverage of figures like White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, whose candid interviews with Vanity Fair provided rich material for political lampooning earlier in the week.
2. The Final Christmas Cartoon of 2025
A major, and now very sentimental, highlight of the "last night" episode was the tradition of the annual Christmas Cartoon. This segment, which often features a celebrity narrator and a whimsical, yet slightly subversive, holiday story, served as the show’s final original content of the year. Given the impending cancellation, this segment takes on a new significance, marking the last time this specific holiday tradition will air on The Late Show in its current context, adding an unexpected layer of nostalgia for fans.
3. Celebrity Spotify Exposé and Pop Culture Entities
Beyond the political entities, Colbert’s monologue also dove into the lighter side of the news cycle. He featured a segment on the "Celebrity Spotify Exposé," which provided fodder for jokes about the music industry and celebrity culture. Another unique, but highly specific, entity mentioned in the monologue was "Good Pierogi," a segment title that highlights the show's ability to pull humor from the most mundane or niche topics of the day. This blend of high-stakes politics and low-stakes pop culture is a hallmark of Colbert’s topical authority.
The Late Show’s Legacy: From Letterman to May 2026
The cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is a seismic event in late-night television. When Colbert took over from David Letterman, he faced the monumental task of redefining the genre in a politically charged, digital-first world. He successfully pivoted from the highly-specific persona of The Colbert Report to a more genuine host, while maintaining his sharp satirical edge.
The show became a nightly touchstone for political discourse, often providing the most-watched and most-discussed commentary on major news events. The final episode of 2025, airing on December 18, now stands as a crucial marker in this transition. The coming months, leading up to the May 2026 finale, will undoubtedly be a celebration of the show's nearly 10-year run, featuring A-list guests like recent appearances by Paul Rudd, Lesley Manville, Kumail Nanjiani, and St. Vincent, and an even sharper focus on the political entities that defined Colbert's tenure in New York. The countdown to the end of an era has officially begun.
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