Stephen Colbert, the host of The Late Show, humorously inquired about a job reference from actor Paul Giamatti during his Wednesday appearance. This light-hearted exchange took place amid news that The Late Show will end its run in May 2026. Colbert has been lending his voice to Giamatti’s new series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, adding context to their banter.
Playful Exchange on Colbert’s Work Performance
During the interview, Colbert asked Giamatti how he had been as a co-worker. In response, Giamatti said,
“You need a little work, but you’re an up-and-comer. You’ve definitely got a future,”
delighting Colbert. When Colbert asked directly,
“Would you recommend me, because I’m going to be looking for a gig,”
Giamatti laughed and agreed to provide a positive reference.
The Late Show’s Upcoming Conclusion and CBS Statement
CBS announced in July that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude after its current season in May 2026. Colbert has hosted the program since September 2015, continuing a franchise originally launched by David Letterman in August 1993. The network described Colbert as irreplaceable and stated,
“We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”
Financial Decision Behind Ending the Franchise
While some speculated that political pressures from former President Donald Trump’s administration influenced the decision to end the show, CBS executives clarified it was a financial choice. A CBS statement explained,
“This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
Colbert’s Response Amid Industry Changes
Following the announcement, Colbert has maintained his characteristic humor, even questioning how CBS could afford its $108 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros. On his December 8 show, he raised questions about network spending in light of the show’s impending conclusion. Colbert, an Emmy winner, has drawn political criticism along with fellow late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers since the news broke.
Late-Night Hosts Facing Industry Shifts
At the Emmy Awards last September, Colbert joked about job prospects, noting that “200 very well-qualified candidates” would become available in June. This comment underscored the uncertainty and transition within late-night television as the genre prepares for notable changes in the coming months.
