Stephen Colbert Reflects on the End of The Late Show: “I Want to Land This Plane Beautifully”

Los Angeles, CA — Standing in the press room at the 2025 Emmy Awards, Stephen Colbert balanced his trademark wit with quiet humility. The 61-year-old comedian and host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert addressed reporters just moments after his program won Outstanding Talk Series — an honor made more poignant by the show’s impending cancellation.

After nearly a decade on air, CBS has confirmed that The Late Show will end in May 2025. While speculation swirls about Colbert’s next move, the Emmy-winning satirist made it clear that he is not focused on the future. Instead, he wants to devote the coming months to finishing strong.

“I love what we do, and I want to go to work on Tuesday and for the next nine months with these people and work hard to have fun,” Colbert said. “I want to land this plane. Absolutely beautiful. And I got nothing else on my mind.”

A Calm Response to Cancellation

The announcement of The Late Show’s cancellation was widely described as the end of an era in late-night television. But Colbert, known for his blend of sharp political commentary and warm humor, projected calm. He described the show’s remaining episodes as an opportunity to savor time with his team and audience rather than a moment for worry or regret.

The Emmy victory provided a sense of closure. As the star-studded audience rose in a standing ovation, Colbert reflected on how far he had come from his early days as a struggling actor. “Winning one of these and having the audience stand up is way better than coming up for pilot season,” he said, visibly touched.

Giving Credit to the Team

Colbert was quick to share the spotlight with his staff, crediting the writers, producers, and crew as the “engine” of the show. He recalled evenings when the news cycle offered little material, yet the team still managed to craft timely and engaging segments by rehearsal time.

“The most rewarding days are when the universe hasn’t conspired to give us anything to be funny about, and yet by showtime, we have something,” Colbert explained. “That discipline and creativity is all thanks to the team. We do the show with each other, for each other, every day.”

A Legacy of Late-Night Television

As he reflected on his career, Colbert placed himself within the larger lineage of American late-night television — a tradition shaped by figures like Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, and David Letterman.

“There aren’t shows like this elsewhere in the world,” he said. “There are chat shows, but nothing like a late-night show like this. To be recognized for what we managed to contribute in our own way is a great testament to everybody’s work here. I’m proud to be some small part of that legacy.”

That recognition, he suggested, is about more than personal achievement. It underscores the cultural role late-night television has played as a uniquely American forum for humor, critique, and connection.

What Comes Next?

Speculation is already swirling about Colbert’s future. Some fans imagine he might launch a streaming project, return to sharp-edged political satire, or even take a break from broadcasting altogether. During the Emmy telecast, he joked about job hunting by flashing a headshot and résumé — a moment that drew laughs but also underscored the uncertainty surrounding his next chapter.

Yet Colbert insisted he is uninterested in planning beyond May. “I know it’s coming to the end, but I’m going to savor every day of it,” he said. “For me, it’s about celebrating what we’ve built together.”

A Career at Peace

From The Colbert Report’s groundbreaking satire to The Late Show’s mix of humor and earnest commentary, Colbert has redefined what political comedy can be. As he prepares to close this chapter, his focus remains on the collaborative spirit that has defined his career.

“We do the show with each other, for each other, every day,” he said. “And I love it.”

For Colbert, the task ahead is not about clinging to the spotlight but about ensuring his final season reflects the same joy, discipline, and humanity that brought him success. Landing the plane, as he describes it, is not simply ending a program. It is cementing a legacy of laughter and truth that will endure long after the lights dim on his stage.