The **Late Show** is a landmark American late-night talk show franchise that aired on CBS from August 30, 1993, to its announced conclusion in May 2026. It was created and initially hosted by **David Letterman**, who transitioned from NBC’s *Late Night with David Letterman* to CBS, launching the franchise with a fresh, often irreverent and innovative approach to late-night television. Letterman’s tenure lasted 22 years, during which the show earned multiple Emmy Awards and became known for its blend of humor, celebrity interviews, and musical performances, hosted from the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan[1][2][3]. Letterman’s style was a mix of good-natured humor and sharp wit, occasionally antagonistic, which contributed to memorable feuds with celebrities like Cher and Madonna but was also marked by genuine sincerity linked to his Midwestern roots. Despite initial ratings success, the show’s audience gradually aged and shrank, especially as competitors like *The Tonight Show* and *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* attracted younger viewers[2][3]. In 2015, **Stephen Colbert** succeeded Letterman as host. Colbert brought his background from *The Colbert Report* and *The Daily Show*, known for satirical news and political comedy, to the franchise, aiming to rejuvenate it with sharper political and cultural satire. His version continued broadcasting from the Ed Sullivan Theater and aired four nights a week, featuring a house band led by Jon Batiste and a mix of celebrity guests and topical humor. Colbert’s *Late Show* won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and maintained a solid following, particularly among younger adults[3][5][8]. CBS announced in mid-2025 that the *Late Show* franchise would end in May 2026, marking the close of a significant era in American late-night television that shaped the format and influenced generations of comedians and viewers[1][2]. The show's legacy includes its innovative